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."

Helpful Medications
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.

Herbs
There are also many herbs that help bolster the milk supply. Fenugreek, blessed thistle, fennel, nettle, marshmallow, red clover and red raspberry have all been used by mothers for years with varying results. There are also prepared forms of tea that can increase the milk supply: Mother's Milk tea by Traditional Medicinals and More Milk that is created by the Motherlove herbal company.

"Fenugreek is easy for making tea, because the seeds are used whole, and they strain out easily," says Darilyn Star of Salt Lake City, Utah. "Buying it in bulk, rather than in prepared tea bags, is much more economical and also easier to prepare stronger tea. I used a rounded teaspoonful per cup of boiled water, steeped for three to five minutes. I also added about a 1/2 teaspoonful of fennel seeds to it."

Fennel has a pleasant flavor and is in the category of galactogogue. Star drank a quart of fennel tea daily and claims it increased her milk supply as much as 20 percent and possibly made her milk richer.

Nipple Confusion
According to Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC, women should be aware that nipple confusion for infants may become a real problem if mothers are trying to breastfeed and give their babies bottles. "Artificial nipples can definitely cause nipple confusion and babies don't want to nurse," she says. "The supplemental nursing system (SNS) is the preferred method, because it gives Baby food, teaches Baby that the breast is for food and love and also the nursing stimulates the breasts to make more milk."

Curtis recommends that mothers who are unwilling to use an SNS may want to try a periodontal syringe or sippy cup in order to avoid nipple confusion.

Lact-Aid provides a supplemental system that is easy to use and preferred by most adoptive mothers. By calling the company, it is possible to have the nursing system shipped directly to a home address. They also have a directory of retail shops that carry their products. To read more about their products, log on to their Web site or contact them at (866) 866-1239.

Medela also offers a supplemental nursing system. To purchase their products check out www.mothersplace.com.

Curtis believes if women make preparations before the baby arrives, breastfeeding will be much easier. "Educate yourself, start early, don't let the medical profession sway you," she says. "Any amount of breast milk that the baby gets is very beneficial to his or her health." Curtis also explains that breastfeeding is about food and love. "It is feeding and loving the baby in the best of ways, and it is also a special bond between Mom and Baby."

Read part one here.

Want to see more?

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