CC breast feeding an AA/BR baby?

We were open to any race for our domestic adoption as well and had planned on breastfeeding. I didn't end up doing it though because we got a call the day after he had been born and I thought I had at least 6 months to prepare. (I realize I could have probably made it happen..) Anyway, you will probably get second glances. I had planned on that. I personally would just take it in stride and do what you think is best for you and baby. There is a forum somewhere for adoptive breastfeeding and lost of books and info. Good luck and let me know if you need help in the right direction.. Michele

I have a dear friend (not on forums) who adopted a full aa baby and she is cc. She quite happily nursed the baby exclusively for 6 months. She had intended to nurse partly but when they picked up the baby ... she refused all bottles and would only nurse. So breastfed she was :) She did get a few "looks" but never any comments. Most people are just surprised that you can nurse an adopted baby ... and with a transracial adoption its just apparent to all that you HAVE adopted.

Thanks! That is pretty much what I thought. We are still in the paperwork process, no home study yet so I have no idea when I should start preparing. I was thinking maybe I should start now in case it goes quick.,

hi, I agree. I think you're going to get looks no matter what you do about the breastfeeding/bottle thing. People don't really know adoptive moms can breastfeed, so be prepared to explain ad nauseam. You may just find it easier to pump occasionally and bottlefeed in some public situations, just to avoid having to answer questions:-). sometimes it gets a bit tiring having to explain things to folks, so you look for ways to avoid it if you're just not up to it that day. If you're interested in info on transracial adoption, advice and other people's experiences, you might check out [url]www.pactadopt.org.[/url] they're a nonprofit involved in the placement of children of color. Good luck! LisaCA

Tracey- after i read your post and responses i had a dream that night that i was breastfeeding my son (now 4 months). I decided the next morning that it might be just what he needs as he will be prone to allergies and asthma. Thanks for the inspiration. Wish me luck I am gathering info and hope to start next week.

Please help me understand? How do you prepare your body to breast feed an adopted child - do you have to take hormones or something? I have not heard of this before but I think it would be awesome for the health of the child and bonding. Please direct me to additional info or e-mail me more details if you would not mind. Thanks! This site has been a blessing already.

Yolanda- I am pretty new to the info, but not the concept. I will post a link and you can find more info there. There are a couple of different ways to start to produce milk for an adopted baby. One is to take hormones and pump, another is to use herbs (and pump i think), and yet another is to have baby at breast which stimulates the milk production. The third usually involves the use of a supplemental nursing system so the baby will get formula or donated breast milk while nursing at your breast. These are just basic descriptions and from what I've read they can overlap or use the hormones and herbs at once, etc, I personally am going to try stimulating my milk to come in while just using the supplementation system and pumping (just for stimulation not production) between times. My son is already with me so I don't want to take anything that he might get from the milk. Look at this website: [url]www.fourfriends.com/abrw[/url] If you go go the message boards you can look under introductions and find one i posted just a day or two ago. Two of the moderators (i think) replied and gave me some very helpful information. the second lady also gave me a link to the place that sells the "lact-aid" supplementation systems. There is a lot of useful info on how to switch from bottle to breast. I don't think I can post the link here as it is also a retail site. good luck and I hope my limited info helps you.

GOOD LUCK!!! I am waiting for my pump and I will start with fenugreek and blessed thistle. Since I am only in the beginning stages of adoption (no homestudy yet) I think I will have plenty of time. You are suppose to pump 15 min. every 2 hours.

Do you mean how do people react ,to breastfeeding in general or nursing a child of a different race? I t hink it depends on the person. People whoa re weirded out by nursing are going to be even more weirded out if they think that they child is not biologically yours. However I have found that they simple act of nursing causes people to ASSUME that you are biologically related. I am AA and all of our children are B/R. Two are cafe au lait, one mocha colored but one dulce leche. Miranda is very fair skinned yet folks know that she nurses so it is only those who know us who know that she is adopted. I am not trying to hide her adopted status or trying to fool anyone I just don't explain to every Tom, **** and Harry. She is our second baby to nurse and it has been a very rewarding experience. It is not easy in the beginning but it is well worth the steep learning curve. lisa

hello.. I breastfed my youngest son all the time, and truly I think people just look at you because you're breastfeeding.. so i'ts just one more thing for them to look at.. lol.. I wouldn't worry about it..and if you get an attitude.."don't say a word" ..well.. they won't..it's only when you're feeling "weird" about breastfeedin that people seem to sense it and they go up and say something.. good luck..and definately check out the le leche league in your area.. they can really help you out

Please, don't worry about what other's think, do you is healthy and best for your children. I say this, in hindsight, because I really wanted to breastfeed my adopted African-American son and daughter. I didn't, in part, because when mentioning it to relatives, they were aghast at the idea. I was accused of attempting to do something unnatural, as well as using my son as a "substitute" for the biological children I cannot have. The very worst comment, from my mother, was how "perverted and sick" I was for even considering it. My baby girl arrived home at 14 months with an attatchment disorder, abused, neglected, and no sense of bonding to her biological mother. I was advised by her pediatrician to use skin to skin contact with her and she "nursed" her bottle at my breast for several months. It was the most loving, natural feeling having Kiana lying there. She would reach up and stroke my cheek as she ate. She needed that regression to infancy to bond with me and I allowed her to have it. She remained on the bottle until two years of age. I am so thankful my doctor and social worker were supportive of this practice. The result is she is now a loving, adjusted child. Now, I realize I allowed others to pervert such a natural, loving desire as to want to bond with my son and daughter in a beautiful, nuturing way. I am now certain I should have breastfed both the children, even with lactation support. Please, do what is best for you and your baby. It will allow the bonding process to stregthen and you won't regret your decision, I promise.