Although I agree with everyone so far who has questioned *why* the baby up
for adoption has been on lactose-free formula, I do have a thought about it
based on my experience.  My nephew was adopted at six months of age and had
been put on a soy formula since he had been *abandoned* at birth and there
was no history re: milk allergy/sensitivity.  His HCP's determined that soy
would be less problematic than dairy based formula for a baby whose parents
were unknown.  The same may be true for the caretakers of the baby we have
been discussing.  I am offering the benefit of the doubt, here.  Either way,
any breastmilk that the baby receives will have value (preaching to the
choir!!)
  Oddly enough, my niece (born to my sister) IS truly lactose-intolerant (15
months bfd) - had agonizing symptoms from two to three years of age until
diagnosis.  Her treatment has been simple, adding special drops into milk
before drinking or using in cereal, breaks down the lactose for her.

  Lisa Jones, LLLL in south Florida