I find that mentioning adoptive breastfeeding to my patients who are working
on building/rebuilding a milk supply, teaching a baby to latch well, or
otherwise working through a breastfeeding problem sometimes is very
inspiring.  Moms seem to feel that if an adoptive mom can build a milk
supply without the benefit of the hormonal pattern of pregnancy and
delivery, than surely they can build a milk supply.  Also, talking about the
non-nutritive benefits of breastfeeding often helps moms who don't have a
full milk supply to feel good about nursing their babies.  Many moms say
that they had no idea that adoptive moms could breastfeed, and that knowing
that makes them feel hopeful that they'll be able to do it if even adoptive
moms can do it.
I also try to mention adoptive breastfeeding if I know a mom will be
adopting.   So far, I haven't had a one express any interest, but you never
know.
I myself was adopted at 11 weeks of age and formula fed with bottles.  I
don't remember, of course, but from talking to my mom and other family
members, I know my mom had strong attachment parenting leanings from the
beginning, and I know I was bottle-fed in a very loving way.  My mom never
knew anyone who breastfed until I was nursing my own first child.  At first
she was tended to worry endlessly that my son wasn't getting enough milk,
and that he wanted to nurse "all the time."  Over the years, though, she has
come to really appreciate the nursing relationship I've had with all of my
children, and is the first to suggest that maybe the baby needs to nurse for
any problem.  She's even become an advocate, and will tell pregnant ladies
about her daughter who breastfeeds.  Somehow, in all these years, we'd never
discussed adoptive breastfeeding until quite recently.  She was so surprised
to find out that adoptive moms can breastfeed and said "You mean I could
have breastfed you and no one ever told me?"  She talked about how much she
has enjoyed watching the close, intimate relationship I've had with my
babies and feels she missed that.  I've always been close to my mom and
never dreamed that she'd feel like she missed out on something.  Even all
these years later, it was upsetting to her to find out that she didn't know
breastfeeding was a possibility for her.  After her comments, I've been even
more determined to mention the possibility of adoptive breastfeeding to
anyone I know who is adopting.  Whatever their decision, at least they'll
never have to say 30+ years later "why was I never told?"
Jennifer Tieman
Family Physician
Mom to 4, including nursling Caroline Rose born 5/31/03

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