Some breastmilk is better than none.  But breastfeeding itself is
important.  I think there is not one person on the Lactnet, even us
men, who has not seen that breastfeeding is something that breastmilk
alone is not.  In other words, I would offer the opinion that partial
breastfeeding at the breast is as good as, perhaps better, than
complete breastmilk feeding from a bottle.  Breastfeeding is *not*
only milk, it is a whole process.

I would generally advise the mother to put the baby to the breast
without supplementing as long as he *drinks* milk, then use
compression, then change sides and repeat.  Then use a nursing
supplementer.  In fact, the mother may be suprised, and she just may
produce a full supply.  I have seen this several times, but the
mother to be should not count on it.

I often discuss the situation of the adopting mother with women who
have had breast reduction.  It is the same, in some ways.

See handout on adoption at:


http://www.erols.com/cindyrn/drjack0.htm

or

http://www.bflrc.com/jn_arts.htm


Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC