Inducing Lactation in Adoptive Mothers.
A growing number of adoptive mothers are exploring the option of breastfeeding their adopted child.
A few prescription medications typically prescribed for other reasons have been shown to stimulate or enhance milk production. Metoclopramide and other such medications must be prescribed by your doctor and do have side effects. There are also herbal medications that used by mothers in the United States and other countries, but talk with your doctor about your planned choices to make sure there will be no adverse affects.
Any medication must be accompanied by regular nipple stimulation every two or three hours. You can use breast self massage or a breast pump as either will offer the same effect. Once your new child arrives you should encourage them to feed at your breast as this will begin building the feeding behavior and habit in your baby.
There is no way to predict how your milk supply will respond, but generally you may not have enough to supply the full nutritional needs of your child. You may consider donor breast milk or other nutritional supplements as suggested by your pediatrician or lactation consultant.
Most off all don’t give up. It will be hard work, but most women who try look back fondly on the effort and time they spend with their new baby.
