Can I breastfeed if I adopt?
Yes you can! But to breastfeed when you adopt is more of challenge for you as a new mother as your breasts will take some time to get their milk production going.
The process is not easy, but can be done, and has been done by many women. In comparison to natural mothers, adoptive mothers usually may not produce enough milk to fully feed a young infant. Anything you can offer your child is of incredible value.
To begin stimulating your milk supply be sure to consult with a doctor and a lactation consultant. They will both offer tailored techniques to help you get your milk production started. What you can do on your own is to begin manual stimulation of your breasts either through self expression techniques or with the use of a breast pump.
Keep in mind that during pregnancy a woman’s body is subjected to nine months of hormones to get her breasts ready to produce milk when the child is born. You are essentially trying to do the same thing with out the benefit of the hormones to help prepare your breasts.
It will be hard but don’t give up. Anything that you produce for your child will be an amazing and wonderful gift.
