Adoptive Breastfeeding Can Be Done and Is Done Every Day

You hear it all the time, breastfeeding is best and healthier for baby. Then you adopt a newborn infant and think now what? Well to the uninformed, breastfeeding can be stimulated in someone who did not deliver a baby!! A miracle yes. Many people have done it over the years. It is possible and has been done for centuries! Have you heard of wet nurses? Some wet nurses had never given birth! For anyone interested in this who will be adopting a baby, you can find out more info and help with your local La LECHE group. They helped us immensely! They are the ones who helped me find this item to purchase it.

What does this item have to do with adoptive breastfeeding? This item along with herbs or a drug like domperidone will stimulate a woman's breasts to produce milk for the baby even if she has not given birth before. Some people have an easier time with this than others. It all depends on the amount of time the person has before the birth but even short notice, it can and does happen over time! It is suggested not to start the baby on bottles if you plan breastfeeding as the baby will get 'nipple confusion' and not take to the breast. Even pacifiers are not recommended until baby has securely accepted breastfeeding.

Not only is this good for bonding with baby but pediatricians recommend it when it is possible, especially with preemies as it builds their immune system up. The Medela Supplemental Nursing System is used only until the mother's breastmilk comes in regularly. It supplies formula through a tube that is inserted with the breast into baby's mouth. So baby does not get used to bottles prior to the mother's milk coming in. The bottle on the SNS is the place to put the formula and it hangs around the mother's neck while the tiny tube goes into baby's mouth while he feeds.

I did not feel that it was uncomfortable or in the way but did have issues with the tubing staying where we needed it. There are not many options out there so we stuck with this one. It worked to give my baby formula while herbs helped start the milk supply. Cleaning it was a breeze with just a rinse off after use. We had no issues with latch problems using this device. The clip starts and stops the formula from flowing, I did not have any problems with doing this since we were home or at the La LECHE meetings anyway. I could see this apparatus being difficult to use while at the park or a family member's home as you do get exposed but it is the same thing as a woman breastfeeding! Many moms have problems with baby trying to get the formula straight from the tube but we never had that issue. Using this item is no more difficult than making a bottle for baby....placing the formula into the bag on this unit is very similar. Traveling with it is no big thing....it easily fits into small compartments once empty of formula.

Regular breastfeeding a woman can lie down but with the Medela Supplemental Nursing System, you can't. For the formula to flow right, you need to be sitting up. It can be a pain to stop the flow as baby pulls away unexpectantly and the formula spills out of the tube. Make sure and tell the hospital your plans to breastfeed the baby so they do not introduce bottles or pacifiers. There are many message boards for support, just search for adoptive breastfeeding to find them. La LECHE groups are in most areas and are very informative on adoptive breastfeeding. The woman who I first contacted there was an adoptive mom. So don't be afraid to get in contact with them!

This idea of adoptive breastfeeding may seem odd to most people but did you know, you can buy other women's breastmilk to supplement instead of formula too? I would have never known if I had not adopted! A friend of mine adopted and did this as her baby was premature and really needed the boost for her immune system!

There are different protocols for adoptive breastfeeding and every woman is different. If one does not work, another may. Support is key....get into contact with other adoptive moms! This item is sold online or locally at your hospital in most towns. This item is not only for relactating but also for helping adoptive moms start lactating. It does this by feeding the baby and stimulating the breasts to produce milk. Of course not this item specifically but baby being at the breast stimulates production of milk! Adoptive moms have the option to give breastfeeding their babies a try and many do and do well at it. With pediatrician approval, La LECHE assistance and support, along with other adoptive breastfeeding moms, this is done every day!

What is so good about THIS item?

Feeding device for baby while adoptive mom's milk comes in, no nipple confusion, easy cleanup, simple to use

What is unique about this item?

No nipple.

Is it worth the price?

Yes!

There has to be some bad to this item, right?

The tubing was hard to keep in place at times even with the tape, I was wishing for velcro.

Any warnings people should be aware of?

None

Final verdict:

This item is not only for relactating but also for helping adoptive moms start lactating by feeding baby while mom's milk comes in! You will find many people using this item such as couples who have a child through surrogacy.

pablo the adoptive parent
While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby.
– Amy Spangler, author of Breastfeeding: A Parent’s Guide