Induced lactation when adopting

[Tan2019]

Hi just wanted to know if any adopters in the UK have managed to induce lactation successfully after adopting.
Would love to know how they did so, how long it took and whether it was done privately or not
Thank you

I thought about it in the very early stages of thinking about adoption. But then the reality is that by the time you get a baby they will probably be too old. And if you fta you are not going to be allowed to do that. Also it's about what's best for the child and changing their feeding habits on top of a shed load of other change just isn't going to be ii their best interests. Eg Dd came with a load of pink bottles which I personally viewed with horror but used for over 2 years.
I hope this doesn't sadden you too much. Bottle feeding will give the same level of attachment and that's the important thing in the early stages.

Thank you so much for your response. I was thinking more about expressing the milk and mixing in with their normal feed as last thing I want to disrupt their feeds.

The reason I initially thought of doing so was not necessarily the bonding and nurturing side of things but because of religious views as giving the child breast milk is akin to a blood relationship

I think if you're Muslim, then giving the breastmilk is important, even just one sip, am I correct? Generally, as above, breastfeeding an adopted child in the UK would be difficult. However, I don't think you're talking about feeding from the breast as a source of nutrition, but almost a symbolic thing to become family?

Have you ever breast fed before? Getting enough for a teaspoon, for example, should be simple.

I wouldn't mention this to SWs, and would only consider it post adoption order, though.

Your spot on Thomas. It is to create a bond akin to blood relations.

My problem is that I mentioned it at the very beginning of the process quite innocently and my Social Worker is like a dog with a bone and will just not drop it. I really regret mentioning it.

The main issue at the moment is what if I cant produce any and the impact of this. I have told them that it wouldnt affect the adoption but they just dont believe me. My Social worker wants me to try and induce lactation before the adoption panel so that it is less of an issue

Ps iv never been pregnant before or have any children

I know someone who has done this but don't really know the minute details. She's much older now (70s) with 5 grown up adopted children. She didn't do it with all of them due to ages when adopted. She never birthed any children. They were all adopted. Anyway, it's possible. There must be some information online or library?

Thank you.
I know it is possible but just dont know where to start. Cant get an appt with gp until feb and cant find any lactation consultants online.

Oh I see. Well your best source of advice would be the NCT Breastfeeding helpline on 0300 330 0700. NCT are there for all parents for the first 1000 days and the training for the people on the phone is very rigorous. I am sure they could help.
Breast milk freezes for up to 12 months. So you could produce that now. If you genuinely feel it won't make a difference to your bond then you could show the SW a sample in the freezer.

You should be able to get a perscription from your gp. I do know a foster carer who was offered lactation tables from the on her first visit to see true baby aftwrbit had been released from the hospital to her care. The ill informed midwife just could not see how inappropriate it would be for her to breatfeed a foster child lol - she was just of the opinion breast was best. So I don’t think you will have a problem getting them - but I definitely go with the others who have said don’t think it is wise to breast feed directly.

Picak thank you. I did contact the helpline and just referred me to online resources and to speak to my gp.

Freezing and showing them the milk was what i planned otherwise unless they see me express they wont necessary believe. Thank you once again

Thepinklady77 thank you. Do you know if she was offered domperidone by any chance? Iv asked for a call back from my gp because if they cant prescribe the tablets then they will need to refer me on

Just re-read my post - lots of typos lol “ offered by the midwife on her first visit to baby after released from hospital’

I am sorry I have no idea what they would have prescribed as my friend would not have engaged in the conversation long enough to get as far as that as she was not going to be breastfeeding. Sorry.

I don’t think it will be an issue though. Can you ask for a call back from your gp to see what they say sooner.

I would give Le Leche League a try, they are probably more able to cope with unconventional situations than NCT!

www.laleche.org.uk/

Thank you Maiyakat. I wiĺl give them a call tomorrow

If fostering to adopt a new born baby, straight from hospital, is it possible to bottle feed using expressed milk? Many thanks.

No. In fostering, that would not be appropriate unless the birth mother gave express (pardon the pun) permission. Totally not appropriate to your role as foster carer in fta.

Inducing lactation for a theoretical child is a little odd... If you say it won't affect the adoption, wouldn't it be better to wait? If you have breast tissue, you will be able to massage, stimulate etc, to produce a tiny amount, before the child hits puberty.

Thank you. I think our circumstances may be a little different so will go with what we have been advised. I was just curious having read the other comments.

Have a look here:
creatingafamily.org/?s=breastfeeding

Thank you - that was so kind of you to provide and it was very helpful to read x