Questions answered about nursing premature babies, adopted babies, babies with cleft palate and other challenges, and other special baby needs.
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Nursing an Adopted Baby.

We have 3 children now (all were breastfed), and are adopting a 3 month old.   The birth mother was breastfeeding, and I was wondering if there was a way for me to get my breasts to start giving milk again.  Any information on this would be greatly appreciated.




Dear Parents,

If you want to breastfeed because you enjoy nurturing your child at the breast, then you should have a successful experience breastfeeding an adopted baby. If your concern is the milk, then you may be disappointed.

Yes, you can bring in some milk by stimulating the breasts, but the amount varies from woman to woman, and you may never get a full supply.  Most women must continue with supplemental feeding systems at least until their babies begin solids.

Breasts make milk in response to stimulation, so putting your adopted baby to the breast frequently will bring in some milk. There are supplemental feeding systems that enable the baby to get formula at your breast. One is called the SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) and is made by Medela. It is a bottle that is attached to a nylon cord that hangs around your neck like a necklace. Tiny tubes are paper-taped to each breast. The SNS comes with three different sizes of tubing. The baby nurses at the breast and gets the formula as well as stimulating the breasts. 

I would encourage you to get a copy of the book "Breastfeeding the Adopted Baby" by Debra Stewart Peterson. This book tells you everything you need to know. It would also be very helpful for you to find a local lactation consultant and/or La Leche League Leader (1-800-LALECHE).

Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL