Inducing Lactation - FYI
I've seen a few posts about adoptive parents breast feeding but though everyone always seems interested, it seems most don't know too much about it, so I thought I'd share what I learned today.
I called a lactation specialist in my area. She made it sound quite easy actually. I know realistically, even pregnant women sometimes can't breast feed but the consultant made me feel much more optimistic about my chances. She said 30-40% of her clients are able to fully breast feed and most everyone else can at least partially breast feed.
I will schedule an appt to learn more once we are matched or at least once our home study is finalized, but she said it can be as simple as taking BCP for a month and then starting to use a breast pump. It will be hard with timing since she says you should start 1-2 months ahead and I know not all of us will have that luxury, but if we can at least provide some breast milk (even through a bottle), that'll make me happy since the health benefits have always been very important to me.
I'd be happy to hear success stories if there are any out there!
Re: Inducing Lactation - FYI
They also referred me to la leche league (https://www.llli.org/) which had a book they recommended. I just ordered it and will post after I read it if I think it's good for everyone else to check out.
Breastfeeding an Adopted Baby and Relactation by Elizabeth Hormann
I'm so sorry to hear that, but though I'm more optimistic after speaking with the consultant, I know it may not work. It may be very difficult with timing. Even if you tried, it may not have worked. And I'm told formula has come a long way.
It was not as easy as you think... the concept is easy... but getting an OB to be on board was nearly impossible... and pumping has to be done often and for quite some time. It is also easier if you have given birth (which I have not). I did start producing milk but only drops. I also was taking fenugreek to increase supply and found that since I never used birth control previously, my body did not respond the way it was supposed to in the limited amount of time I had.
I definitely would try it again, but be prepared for a frustrating battle if you try. I had a month to prepare and ended up using donated breast milk and supplementing with formula.
I appreciate your input. I didn't mean to imply that it would be super easy. As a matter of fact, I assumed it would be quite difficult and that most people cannot BF under these circumstances. However, this LC was so optimistic and her stats were so good that it gave me hope that I didn't originally have. But it's good to be realistic. I plan to meet with her to discuss this in more detail so that's when we'll go over pumps and herbal supplements. Thanks so much!