On my post, Adoptive Breastfeeding: Some Final Words, a reader left the following comment:

We are adopting a infant or toddler internationally. The things I've been reading suggest babies that have started bottle feeding, to be transitioned with bottles that have nipple similar to the mother's breast. I was wondering what others have experienced adopting internationally?

We adopted a newborn domestically, so I do not have personal experience with breastfeeding a baby who was adopted internationally. However, I remember reading about breastfeeding babies who were adopted internationally when I was researching this topic.

Yes, there are nipples you can buy for a baby bottle that more closely resemble the breast. I used MAM nipples because they are designed to draw milk in a similar manner to breastfeeding. The biggest difference is that the baby must work hard to draw milk out of a breast while little effort is required out of a typical nipple. In fact, babies who are bottle-fed often swallow differently by pressing their tongues against the nipple to stop the flow of milk rather than draw it out.

You will not have control over the type of nipples used in the foster home or orphanage, but using MAM nipples or a similar brand when you take custody of your child can help make the transition to breastfeeding easier.

It has been a few years since I was researching about breastfeeding the adopted baby, but I remember the books saying that even a child who is several months old could transition over to breastfeeding. The books encouraged breastfeeding older babies who were adopted internationally to facilitate bonding. By having his nose pressed against your skin while eating, your child will associate your scent with the comfort of food and, hopefully, help him bond more quickly.

Whether or not to breastfeed an adopted child is a personal choice. Know that some people will not support you in your decision, and be prepared to handle unsupportive people. I did choose to breastfeed my adopted son, and I have no regrets. That being said, I would not do it again. It was a lot of work and added stress that I did not need as a new mother. Feeding him became much more enjoyable when I switched over to bottles.

If you breastfed a child who was adopted internationally or know someone who did, please post any comments you have about the experience.

Related Topics:

Adoptive Breastfeeding series

Photo Credit: Lynda Bernhardt