Adopted Babies at the Breast

The Best Beginning

Part II

By C.J. Johnson

Although adoptive mothers who want to breastfeed can plan in advance, sometimes babies come unexpectedly before the breast milk is ready. When this happens, it is essential that the woman gets the baby to the breast as soon as possible.

"Babies learn to breastfeed by breastfeeding, and the sooner they get to start, the better," says Dr. Jack Newman. "By putting the baby to the breast with a supplemental nursing system soon after receiving the baby and by taking herbs and medications to help bring about milk production, the mother's body will begin producing milk. It may not be enough to sustain the baby, but as long as the baby is latching on properly and the bond is growing between mother and infant, both mother and child will benefit. There is more to breastfeeding than breast milk."

There are no prescription drugs designed specifically to increase milk supply; however, some are known for their side effect of galactorrhea, which produces excessive or spontaneous milk flow. Domperidone suppresses the neurotransmitter dopamine that acts as a prolactin inhibitor. With domperidone-blocking dopamine receptors, prolactin levels rise and milk production increases. Domperidone, also known as Motilium, is a medication used for stomach ailments, but it has been proven in a clinical setting to help increase the milk supply of countless women who have faced challenges with breastfeeding.

Most American doctors are not familiar with domperidone and its impact on breast milk and may hesitate writing prescriptions for it. A physician or lactation consultant has the ability to prescribe these drugs for mothers who are breastfeeding. To get around the need for a prescription there are compounding pharmacies in the United States and a few around the world that carry the drug. Breastfeeding Online provides information on pharmacies in the United States that provide compounding.

Want to see more?

• Talk about it!
• Adoptive Moms Can Still Be Breastfeeding Moms
• Bonding With Your Adopted Baby: 10 Tips
• Breastfeeding After Adoption: You Can Do It!