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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Breastfeeding the Adopted Baby

Here is what La Leche League has to say about adoptive breastfeeding.

How wonderful for you and your new baby that you want to breastfeed. You can read stories from mothers who have breastfed their adopted babies. Each situation is unique so it is important to educate yourself as much as possible about this exciting endeavor.

Most mothers are able to produce at least a little milk. Whether you have been pregnant before or not does not affect your ability to produce milk. Adoptive mothers may be able to induce lactation by using a breast pump every 2-3 hours, either before the baby comes or after. Some also use a device such as the Medela Supplemental Nursing System or the Lact-Aid Nurser Training System. These both enable you to feed your baby while he is at your breast. This way, your baby gets enough milk while stimulating your body to produce your own milk. The key to all this is that the more stimulation your breasts receive, either by pump or baby, the more likely milk will be produced.

Mothers who have breastfed adopted babies often say that having achievable goals for inducing lactation helped them feel successful in the long run. They also say that breastfeeding has numerous benefits in addition to nutrition.

Mothers who induce lactation vary widely in the amount of milk they are able to produce and in the amount of time required to produce milk. All agree that inducing lactation is a process that takes patience, commitment, diligence and education. Even mothers who have breastfed previous babies may not ever be able to fully breastfeed an adoptive baby. A sensible goal, then, might be to try to provide some, or maybe most, of your new baby's nutrition yourself, while fully enjoying the closeness and bonding that breastfeeding brings. Even if your baby does not breastfeed, you can still hold him for all his feedings (and lots of holding in between!) and foster the same kind of attachment that all babies have for the mommies and daddies who love them.

Attend a La Leche League Group meeting in your area for additional information and support. To find a Leader of a local Group, check out the section of our Web site entitled Finding a Local LLL Group.

Resources for Additional Information

These items are all available from the LLLI Online Store or through your local Leader.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Baby Wearing

Tuesday we talked about baby wearing. There are many different types of carriers, but our focus was on soft carriers. Ring slings, mei tais, wraps and pouches are easy and comfortable ways to keep baby close and wonderful for discreet nursing. There are many benefits of baby wearing including ease for mother, less crying and increased learning for baby.
LLL on baby wearing
Dr. Sears on baby wearing

LLL of Sandy currently has two Maya Ties for sale. If you're interested in purchasing one please email Renee at lllofsandy@gmail.com.

Monday, October 25, 2010

October 26 Enrichment

All LLL members are welcome to our enrichment meetings. Tomorrow's topic is babywearing. We'll be talking about the different types for baby carries, have displays and discuss the benefits of baby wearing. Hope to see you there!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Series Meeting Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow, October 12, for series meeting #2
Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby

Preparing for birth, getting nursing off to a good start, and establishing nursing in the early weeks

LLL meetings are free for all interested women. Babies and young children who need you are welcome.