Expert: ruth kraft - 10/27/2009

Question
Would it be possible to breast feed after menopause?  I am going to adopt my great nephew when he is born and I was wondering if I could still breast feed?  I have breast fed all six of my children and I know that mothers milk is very important for a baby.  If I can't breast feed how can I get breast milk for the baby?  Thank you, Joan

Answer
I know anything is possible, however, there would be alot of work going back into breastfeeding with hormonal suppliments and such. You would need to talk to a lactation consultant and find out how to get certain meds, who you would be followed by as a doctor , and the details that go into that.  There would be alot of work involved but certainly if you are that dedicated , it could be an option.

You can also get milk from a milk bank. There are several milk banks across the us who then sell you the milk they have donated to them. If you have a friend or know a mother who is nursing who is willing to get a health screening for you to make sure she has no diseases that could be passed through the milk, you can see if she will donate the milk to you. There are many mothers who have excess milk. Finding them in your area is the fun part. ANd obviously making sure they are healthy women so your child doesnt get something he didnt need to have. It is reccommended that if milk from the mom isnt available, that donor milk is second best.  formula of course being least wanted but sometimes warranted. Any breastmilk a baby gets is better than none.

Good luck and good job taking it seriously! Your child will be much more healthy in the long run :)