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About Susanne Clark
Expertise
Increasing milk production, Thrush help, General nursing questions, baby lead weaning, pumping and milk storage

Experience
I have nursed 4 babies, 2 years each.

Organizations
IBCLC, ILCA

Education/Credentials
University Hospital, LC internship

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Parenting/Family > Pregnancy/Birth > Breastfeeding > Adult breastfeeding

Breastfeeding - Adult breastfeeding


Expert: Susanne Clark - 10/20/2006

Question
Do you have to have a baby to lactate.  I have never had children but would like to have a nursing relationship with my husband.  I would like to know where i can get information on inducing lactation etc.

Please help, we are not perverse we are simply looking for ways to deepen our relationship.  I feel it would be a most intimate bonding experience.

Answer
Nicola,

I suggest you use a method that mothers who have apodted a baby would use. Here is a direct quote from La Leche.

Good Luck.
Susanne

"Can I Breastfeed My Adopted Baby?
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."

http://www.lalecheleague.org/FAQ/adopt.html

Heres the link so that you can get more infomation and resources.  

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