In a message dated 01/17/2000 5:50:40 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Subject: Re: breastfeeding an adopted baby

 Beth Seidel IBCLC wrote:
 >
 > Hi!
 >
 > A mom in my support group may be soon adopting a baby.  She is currently
 > breastfeeding her own baby and would like to breastfeed the adopted baby
 > also.  She is hoping to breastfeed the new baby in the hospital, but
wonders
 > what sort of reaction she will get from staff.  She plans to be present at
 > the birth.  Does anyone have any experience with this sort of situation?
It
 > is a new one for me.
 > >>

I worked with an adoptive/breastfeeding couple a few years ago.  We covered
any problems or concerns at the hospital before they could occur.  Fire
prevention!

> A written statement from biological mom that the adoptive mom could bond &
breastfeed the infant after the birth & on demand.  There are bonding papers
that most hospitals or adoption lawyers have that my need to be signed too.
> We obtained a statement of the adopting mother's health including results
of HIV status.  This calmed all the fears of what the adopting mom could
transmit to the baby.

> The informed anyone that might stop this all from being allowed.  Knowing
ahead of time, we answer any questions, & had the right people sign a
statement to this effect that it was OK.  The OB was the one who sent the
adopting family to me 2weeks before the due date.  We worked fast.  We
informed & obtained OK's from the OB, PED, medical head of the nursery,
Nursing Directors of the Nursery & Labor/delivery, Social services was
informed.  I think we even informed the hospital CEO.

> All was put into packet for the hospital staff.  Copies were made.  The
nursery staff was informed by me & a letter to the wishes of these families
was sent the Labor & Delivery & the Nursery for them to post.  Since I work
at the hospital, this wasn't a problem.  If you don't, contact a supportive
person at the hospital, the head of one of the OB departments or even one of
her MD's to pave the way.  The packet came to the hospital with the mom at
delivery time & were included in the chart.  Be sure there is somewhere the
adoptive mom can breastfeed in the unit.  Answer the staffs questions &
concerns.  They will be the ones you work with.

The baby delivered, was shown to the biological mom & then taken to the
nursery per her request.  Within 10 minutes of delivery, the adoptive mother
was nursing the newborn.  Since she had never been pregnant, she later use an
SNS too.  Having a mom who is still breastfeeding would be great.  Good luck
& keep us posted.

Debbie Moses, RN, IBCLC
Louisville, KY
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