If you adopt a newborn baby and you do not have any medical history that might prevent you doing so, it can be possible to breastfeed even when you have
not biologically given birth to the child.
Somen women manage to breastfeed very successfully (the baby needs to be newborn, when the suckling instinct is still intact and the infant has not become
too accustomed to synthetic teat feeding) which not only brings about the special bond breastfeeding can provide for mother and baby, but is also
nutritionally beneficial for the child. Even in cases where a woman breastfeeds a little and the baby's diet is
mainly formula milk, it is worth the endeavour.
For many women, a little persistent practice will stimulate breastfeeding - possibly with a breastpump before or just after the arrival of the baby. In this case,
the Medela breastpump systems which are very supportive to
breastfeeding practice, might be worth trying.
Some women may find it helps to get medical help from their doctor. Some drugs can synthesise the body's natural stimulants which bring about lactation. An American website all about adoption has some interesting notes about medication and herbs. If you want to check it out click here for the
adoption.org take on the subject.
For those women who try but cannot successfully feed, the closeness of suckling or skin-to-skin contact whilst bottle feeding is still a great way to build a strong relationship
both physically and emotionally with a newly adopted child.
For valuable information, check out the La Leche League website or visit the Four Friends website, the latter of which is all about adoptive breastfeeding.
