So we talk a lot about attachment disorder. The repercussions to a child having a trauma or break in the attachment cycle. But I know some of you may be here and you are still on your journey to adopt. Maybe you are wondering what you can do to "hit the ground running" with your new little one. Today, I want to talk a bit about adoption breast feeding. I am by no means an expert, but just want to throw it out there if it isn't something you have considered. Breast feeding is God's design to help develop a baby both emotionally and physically. If your child comes home through adoption, you may choose breast feeding as a way to build attachment. There are ways to induce lactation and consulting your local Le Leche League may be a great starting point. Sometimes, however, this is not possible. Either enough milk does not come in or at all. Then a supplemental nurser may be helpful. There are two main brands.
I have heard that people seem to prefer the Lactaid, but I know people that have used both.
Check out these websites:
Also, something to keep in mind is that here in America, mothers tend to stop breast feeding at 6-12 months. For our kiddos, it is the emotional connection/foundation we are most concerned with. 12 months may be extremely premature in stopping breast feeding for your child. In many countries around the world breastfeeding up to 7 years of age is common. Don't let society/social norms dictate what is best for you. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in knowing what is best for your child and family. Even if breast feeding your adoptive child is not right for your family, use the aspects of it to help build attachment (sucking/chewing, eye contact, skin to skin, rocking, etc).
4 comments:
I did some research on this early on in our adoption process. It does sound like for children who have never been breastfed, most research suggests that you may not have much success in adoptive breastfeeding once the child passes age 2. But that was on the research end of the things. Maybe someone with personal experience would be able to tell a different tale.
I have read several stories of children (preschool +) desiring/initiating w/o having the experience as a baby. Obviously it is all anecdotal and I don't know if the mothers went as far as to do supplemental feeders or just allowed the skin to skin closeness.
We adopted our daughter as a newborn and I did adoptive breastfeed her until she was around a year old. Now, at four-years-old, she says she wishes I would nurse her again. Some children, despite some attachment issues -- which we have faced with this little one -- still long for that closeness and seem to instinctively know what God created to be a part of the bonding process.
When I briefly nursed her again at 2 1/2, I found that the LactAid provided the instant gratification she needed, and the closeness was what kept her coming back for more. It helped us through a rough patch, for sure.
So thankful you posted this, Cate. :)
After I had Eva, I noticed that Isabella would snuggle her face into my chest everytime I nursed Eva. She was four at the time, and as fas as I know had never been breastfed.
As a mother who breastfed three bio children I have wondered, if at the least, my connection to them would have been stronger by breastfeeding.
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