Breastfeeding Adopted Twins? Dare I?

Whether or not you could produce enough milk to feed two children is only part of the issue. Whether you want the children to drink whatever you produce, whether it is enough or needs to be supplimented, is the other part. Some women have breastfed adopted children exclusively. Some have not, but chose to feed as much breastmilk as was produced and suppliment with formula. Some chose to feed formula exclusively - with or without the motions of breastfeeding. Having a hysterectomy has nothing to do with milk production, so don't worry about that part. It's the physical stimulation of the glands that matters. After all, some women who needed emergency hysterectomies as part of the birth process still breastfed! Some women are able to produce milk by starting to pump alone. Some take herbal suppliments that help, others take hormonal shots. You'll have to decide on your own comfort level and how much assistance you want in producing milk. If this is something you want to do, by all means try. The La Leche League can give you some information on getting started, as can many women on this board. Good luck!

Diane, Thank you so much for your response!!! It had so much information. I wondered how Hormone replacement therapy affects breastmilk? I've made a call and left a message with "Lisa" in Frederick County LL. I'm eager to hear back. In the meanwhile I've got plenty of reading to do. Blessings, Sheryl

Hi Diane, I found the book Breastfeeidng the adoptive child to be very helpful. IF you are unable to produce enough and want to supplement there is a number in the back to order a supplemental feeding system. The people there are so nice. I brestfeed my daughter from age 1.5 weeks until she weaned herself Hi Diane, I found the book Breastfeeidng the adoptive child to be very helpful. IF you are unable to produce enough and want to supplement there is a number in the back to order a supplemental feeding system. The people there are so nice. I brestfeed my daughter from age 1.5 weeks until she weaned herself Hi Diane, I found the book Breastfeeidng the adoptive child to be very helpful. IF you are unable to produce enough and want to supplement there is a number in the back to order a supplemental feeding system. The people there are so nice. I brestfeed my daughter from age 1.5 weeks until she weaned herself :>( last month at 16 months. ( I wasn't ready to stop, but she had chicken pox lesions in her mouth and sucking was very painful) I was able to produce about 1/2 what she needed I pumped for the first 2 weeks and took Fenugreek for one year. Good luck to you. I feel it was all worth it. I say if you really want to, give it a try if it doesn't work at least you did what you felt was right. Michelle:

Run a search on the Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website. Their you will find lots of support and tons of info. I can't remember the adddress, but if you run a search it should come up. Good luck Shelley

Thank you everyone! I'm so excited (as is my husband, go figure) I read that you should not use a used pump, but then I also read that you can rent a hospital strength pump.. isn't that a used pump? I want to get one asap but Im waiting on a call from a la Leche person before I make a move. Thank you again everyone!! Hugs, Sheryl

dpen6 - nope, having had a child or even having been pregnant is not necessary. Weird, huh?

Sheryl, What you would be renting is the electric machine, you would buy a new pump( the part that actually touches you). I hope that help with the confusion. MIchelle

The pumps you can rent at the hospital are designed in such a way that it does not allow milk to get into the machine part. Any other kind of pump can and will get some milk in the machine part, which then might contaminate your milk that you have just pumped. The danger is that milk can carry bugs you don't want your baby to catch. The hospital pumps a designed for multiple users, the other pumps are designed for a single user. The Medela dual pump is a good pump. You can get a new one on e-bay for about $250. I would recomend you get a dual pump. It will save on time.

Try this web address for The adoptive breastfeeding resource website. [url]www.fourfriends.com/abrw[/url] Shelley

Thanks again everyone! I must be insane because I am sooo excited! I am meeting with a lactation consultant at a local hospital tomorrow and will rent a pump, then probably buy one later. Thank you thank you thank you! Sheryl

Let us know how it all goes for you. I know it was so great for me to find people who were supprtive of my decision. I still am the star mom at the baby doctor. I am the only Amom they have ever had breastfeed. Best of luck. Michelle:D

Hi Yes you can nurse and make breast milk after a hysterectomy..remember..it is the prolactin produced from the pituitary gland in the brain that is responsible for milk (not the ovaries).. The NG protocol involves a bcp and taking domperidone at the same time...there are no "shots" involved..see [url]www.asklenore.info..you[/url] then stop the bcp and continue to take the domperidone and start pumping..most produce 3/4 to a full milk supply with this method... You dont have to take any meds to nurse..just put the baby to the breast with a Lact-aid and women produce about 1/3 to 1/2 of the babies milk supply after a few months.. You can also take domperidone and pump...most women make 1/2 to 3/4 supply with this route.. You can also see the ABRW website for info on natural ways to breastfeed as well as the medical approaches..