Adoptive Breastfeeding - Induced Lactation
by Kay Green,
www.PreciousKids.org
Copyright 2003-2008
I have the wonderful privilege of breastfeeding ( induced lactation ) my adopted daughter Haley. We began this journey when she was 18 hours old. It is a day I will always remember looking into the eyes of this precious angel as her birth mom sat there and watched us. She later told a social worker that it helped her so much to see Haley and I bond at that moment.
When we began that day I was producing 3 or 4 ounces a day. By the time she was 6 months old I had achieved a full supply of breast milk for her. Her doctor told me that even 2 ounces a day would greatly benefit her over formula alone. She would receive my antibodies. Today she is a healthy happy walking nursing 1 year old.
I have so many who wonder about the details of adoptive breastfeeding/induced lactation I thought I would give you all a mini course in it. It has been going on for many centuries. In bible days it was called wet nursing. In 3rd world countries women will induce lactate to care for orphans. Here we do it for adopted children. WHY? Why not? It is better for the babies. They receive antibodies, better nutrients and enzymes, bonding and much more. It is a wonderful way to bond with a newly adopted child. Many have successfully nursed an older adopted child too. I know of several who have gotten 6-9 month old's to nurse after being adopted.
Pregnancy is not necessary for breastfeeding. Prolactin (a hormone) is. Pregnancy does change the breast tissue so helps but is not necessary. Many adoptive moms who have never been pregnant have produced 30-100% of the breast milk their child needs. Pumping, sucking, herbs and drugs all help raise the prolactin level.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.preciouskids.org/adopt/articles/induced.html
Breastfeeding the Adopted Baby
More ARTICLES about business, parenting, adoption, homeschool and more by Kay Green!
Articles written by Kay Green, Christian homeschool mom to Melissa 26, Jordan 24, Allison
21, Haley
9. Kay and Russell, her husband of 30 years live in rural Oregon. Kay's first granddaughter MADISON KAY was born December 2006.
TWIN grandsons MICAH and MASON will join the family in June 2009
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