I can’t begin to present all of the available information and resources on adoptive breastfeeding here, but in a nutshell, adoptive moms have four major areas to investigate and consider as they decide whether to breastfeed:

1. Herbal and pharmacological options: Domperidone is no longer available to Americans, but some women have success with the drug Reglan. Some mothers also use the herbs fenugreek and blessed thistle. (See comments below for further info.)

2. Pumping: Especially if you aren’t using an herbal or medical approach to increasing your milk supply, pumping is crucial. You can rent a hospital grade pump for around $35 a month, and take it from someone who’s had to do a lot of pumping – they’re worth every penny. Cheaper pumps you can purchase just won’t do the trick. They’re OK for a mom who already has an established milk supply, but you need the most effective equipment possible if you want to bring in your milk, especially if you’ve never lactated before. You can contact your pediatrician’s lactation consultant to rent a good pump, and most medical supply store carry them as well.

3. Feeding Aids: It’s a good idea to accept that you will have to use a supplemental nurser of some sort for the duration of your nursing experience. You may be pleasantly surprised and be able to get away without one once you get things going, but in the beginning, it’s essential. See the links below for information on how to order.

4. Support: It’s crucial that you align yourself with other like-minded individuals, especially if you want to nurse an older baby or toddler. Whether it’s an online discussion board or a real life support group or just an encouraging friend, you’ll need others to cheer you on and celebrate with you when others in your life try to talk you out of it (and they will!) or tell you it’s “weird.”

If you’d like to know more, please visit any of the following helpful links. I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to leave a comment! :)

General information:

Dr. Jack Newman's website, complete with adoptive breastfeeding protocol
Adoptive Breastfeeding Resources Website (ABRW)
La Leche League adoptive breastfeeding information

Adoptive breastfeeding journals:

Shannon's adoptive breastfeeding journal
Kay's adoptive breastfeeding journal

Books:

Breastfeeding the Adopted Baby, Revised Edition, by Debra Stewart Peterson.
The Nursing Mother’s Companion, by Kathleen Huggins

Discussion groups:

Adoptive Breastfeeding Mothers
Dr. Jack Newman's website
Adoptive Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding the Adopted Child

Supplies (supplemental nursers):

Medela Supplemental Nursing System (scroll down)
Lact-Aid supplemental nurser