How to Induce Lactation So You Can Breastfeed an Adopted Baby
Many mothers choose to breastfeed their baby. Breastfeeding offers a number health benefits, including decreased illnesses in babies and decreased risk of depression in moms. While you can certainly bond with your baby if you bottle feed, breastfeeding can enhance the bonding process as well. Many adoptive mothers don't realize that they can breastfeed their babies, but they usually can if they are willing to work at it.
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Instructions
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Rent or purchase a hospital-grade electric breast pump. Manual pumps are not as effective as electric ones. Plan to obtain a pump about one month prior to adopting your baby, though this may be difficult because adoptive parents sometimes do not have much advance notice before a child is placed in their home.
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Begin pumping your breasts with the breast pump every three hours. You'll need to set an alarm clock so that you wake up at night to pump. You'll also need to take breaks to pump when you're at work. Pump for 15 minutes or so on each side. Be consistent if you hope to induce lactation.
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Freeze breast milk in labeled containers for up to six months so that you have a supply of breast milk to get your baby started just in case you don't yet produce enough milk to breastfeed exclusively.
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Supplement breast milk with formula or donated breast milk if necessary. Baby Center recommends using a supplemental nursing system such as the Medela Supplemental Nursing System, which allows your baby to nurse at your breast while receiving formula at the same time through two narrow tubes attached to your areolas with surgical tape.
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Tips & Warnings
Fathers can also use the Medela Supplemental Nursing System, allowing them to experience many of the joys of breastfeeding and giving mothers an occasion break from nursing.
Some adoptive mothers that induce lactation produce more milk than others. You may produce enough milk to feed your baby or you may need to supplement with infant formula or donated breast milk. Either way, both you and your baby will reap the many benefits of breastfeeding.
Contact an lactation consultant if you have trouble producing much milk or need assistance breastfeeding your adopted baby.
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