728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
Get Pregnancy Information
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Preemies, Multiples and Adoption › Adopted Babies at the Breast

Adopted Babies at the Breast

The Best Beginning

Part I

By C.J. Johnson

Pages:  1  2  3  

Breast milk is the most powerful liquid on the planet. It aids in brain growth, eye development and provides the baby with the mother's immunities. According to the La Leche League, breastfed babies are less likely to die of SIDS, and breast milk is currently being used in research programs to reverse signs of autism in children.

Now that American women are aware of the many benefits of breast milk, breastfeeding is more popular than ever. But what about women who are about to adopt an infant? Is it still possible for them to offer this precious liquid to their new child?

According to Jack Newman, M.D., author of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, it is not only possible, but easier than you think to breastfeed an adopted baby. "It is fairly easy, and the chances are you will produce a significant amount of milk," he says. "It is different though than breastfeeding a baby with whom you have been pregnant for many months."

If you are preparing to adopt a baby and considering breastfeeding, there are a few simple steps to follow in order to get your milk flowing.

Two Objectives
"There are really two objectives involved in nursing an adopted baby," Dr. Newman says. "One is getting your baby to breastfeed. The other is producing breast milk." Because of the emotional bonding that occurs between mother and baby, there is far more to breastfeeding that breast milk. A mother holding the baby and sharing her body with her new child is a great way to create a special biological attachment for the mother and infant.

Darilyn Star of Salt Lake City, Utah, has breastfed six adopted babies. Through her many experiences nursing adopted babies she has learned a few tricks to make it easier.

"It is important to always consider the fact that many situations where a baby is targeted for a specific adoptive family do not go through," says Star. "This is a difficult, but a very real fact with adoption. However, I think it is essential for any prospective adoptive mother to consider this in making any decisions about preparations to produce milk in advance."

With Advance Notice
Pages:  1  2  3  


Want to see more?