|
Adopting and Breastfeeding |
|
|
|
Written by Leslye Adelman, M.S., IBCLC, CCE
|
|
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 |
|
Dear Lactation Consultant:
A friend of mine is adopting a baby in a few weeks. She has been working with a lactation consultant in an attempt to produce breast milk for the baby but so far it does not look very promising. I just finished nursing my twins and am more than willing to breast feed her baby but she seems reluctant to that idea. You always seem to have good advice so I am wondering what you would recommend in this situation.
Sincerely,
Ricki White
Sherman Oaks, CA
Dear Ricki:
You are extremely compassionate and selfless to offer your time and your breast milk to your friend and her new baby, but I do understand her hesitation. She has probably waited a very long time for this baby and the thought of someone else breastfeeding might be more than she can handle.
Rather than keeping the offer to feeding the baby, why not present the idea of pumping the breast milk so she actually feeds the baby. If you know the lactation consultant, you might be able to broach the subject through her and discuss all the possibilities. Once the baby arrives, the lactation consultant should get the baby to your friend's breast and get mom pumping. Once the l.c. determines the time is right, your milk can be used in a supplemental nursing system so the baby is getting breast milk from mom, hopefully moms' milk as well as yours. Your friend should continue to work with the lactation consultant until all is going smoothly and you can provide the breast milk for as long as you are able. As I said earlier, you are an amazing friend and your friend is lucky to have you in her life.
Good luck to the 3 of you,
—Leslye
|
