Diaper Swappers

LissAnne · 11-20-2007, 02:08 PM

So, here's my situation...
I nursed DS1 until he self-weaned at 13-14 months a few months after I got pregnant with DS2. Currently I am nursing DS2, who is 2.5 months old. DH and I have been discussing adoption, and I'd love to nurse then as well, but I'm not sure how it would work. Ideally, I'd still be nursing DS2 when we would adopt, so I'd just have to up my supply to meet the new LO's needs instead of having to relactate. BUT, is it true that the breastmilk changes after a certain amount of time? As in...doesn't have as much nutrients, etc? I've heard this multiple times, but obviously there are so many misinformed people when it comes to BFing that I don't know what to believe. DH asked me if that was true, because if it is, then I wouldn't want to have my milk be appropriate for a 2 yr old but not for a 3 mo old, and since my body wouldn't have gone through pregnancy/childbirth, it wouldn't know that I was nursing an infant. Does that make any sense? for some reason, it's more difficult to type it then it sounds in my head!

Thoughts? Would I end up needing to supplement with formula anyway?

mcpforever · 11-20-2007, 03:41 PM

Here's an article that discusses changes in BM composition as a result of weaning and pregnancy.
http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/f...lkchanges.html

I would assume that at the time of the adoption, you would be in the weaning stages with your DS 2. However, since it's based on nursing frequency, I would think that your milk would be fine for a younger infant nursing more frequently. I'm pretty certain you would not produce colostrum, but this is produced for such a short time at the very beginning of a baby's life I wouldn't fret over it. Depending on how young you are able to adopt, the adoptee may already be past this stage.
A couple of other things you may or may not of thought of:
Your let down reflex will not be as easy-strong for your adoptive babe like it would be for a newborn. This just means the new babe would have to work a little longer and harder to get things going.
If your adopted baby was given formula from a bottle, he/she may have difficulties accepting the breast after being "bottle trained." There's the SNS and other helpful devices out there to help with the transition.

Kudos to you for thinking this far ahead and being ready to nurse an adoptee! I hope that you don't think of my post as being discouraging. I have considered this myself and thinking of all the little bumps along the road that may come up empowers me to be ready to have a solution to handle it. (Wow! Look at all my prepositional phrases!)
I would definitely start pumping more frequently once you know adoption is close at hand to get a head start!!!

Oh, and taking supplements like fenugreek (not while pg though) and eating oatmeal is said to help with milk production.

Robin · 11-20-2007, 10:53 PM

I actually hope to do the same thing. My lactation consultant said the "older" milk would still be fine for a newborn.

Calideedle · 11-20-2007, 10:56 PM

With each year/month/etc Breastmilk gets more potent (ie - has more nutrients in it!)

LissAnne · 11-21-2007, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like it shouldn't be a problem then. I have overproduction issues anyway, so hopefully when the time comes, I'll be able to do it without supplementing!

11-20-2007, 02:08 PM	#1
LissAnne Registered Users Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 503 Ratings: 105 Feedback: 100%	breastmilk question So, here's my situation... I nursed DS1 until he self-weaned at 13-14 months a few months after I got pregnant with DS2. Currently I am nursing DS2, who is 2.5 months old. DH and I have been discussing adoption, and I'd love to nurse then as well, but I'm not sure how it would work. Ideally, I'd still be nursing DS2 when we would adopt, so I'd just have to up my supply to meet the new LO's needs instead of having to relactate. BUT, is it true that the breastmilk changes after a certain amount of time? As in...doesn't have as much nutrients, etc? I've heard this multiple times, but obviously there are so many misinformed people when it comes to BFing that I don't know what to believe. DH asked me if that was true, because if it is, then I wouldn't want to have my milk be appropriate for a 2 yr old but not for a 3 mo old, and since my body wouldn't have gone through pregnancy/childbirth, it wouldn't know that I was nursing an infant. Does that make any sense? for some reason, it's more difficult to type it then it sounds in my head! Thoughts? Would I end up needing to supplement with formula anyway? __________________ Melissa - Mom to Preston 1/1/06 and Bryton 9/3/07 Decluttered: 12 bags & boxes. $278! Get paid to take free surveys! $6 welcome survey!

11-20-2007, 03:41 PM	#2
mcpforever Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bama Posts: 11,108 Ratings: 37 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: breastmilk question Here's an article that discusses changes in BM composition as a result of weaning and pregnancy. http://www.kellymom.com/nursingtwo/f...lkchanges.html I would assume that at the time of the adoption, you would be in the weaning stages with your DS 2. However, since it's based on nursing frequency, I would think that your milk would be fine for a younger infant nursing more frequently. I'm pretty certain you would not produce colostrum, but this is produced for such a short time at the very beginning of a baby's life I wouldn't fret over it. Depending on how young you are able to adopt, the adoptee may already be past this stage. A couple of other things you may or may not of thought of: Your let down reflex will not be as easy-strong for your adoptive babe like it would be for a newborn. This just means the new babe would have to work a little longer and harder to get things going. If your adopted baby was given formula from a bottle, he/she may have difficulties accepting the breast after being "bottle trained." There's the SNS and other helpful devices out there to help with the transition. Kudos to you for thinking this far ahead and being ready to nurse an adoptee! I hope that you don't think of my post as being discouraging. I have considered this myself and thinking of all the little bumps along the road that may come up empowers me to be ready to have a solution to handle it. (Wow! Look at all my prepositional phrases!) I would definitely start pumping more frequently once you know adoption is close at hand to get a head start!!! Oh, and taking supplements like fenugreek (not while pg though) and eating oatmeal is said to help with milk production. __________________ Melissa-Wife, mother to DS 4/02 and DD 4/07, DS 7/08 Due 7/13 with a little lady ISO: my lost shaker of salt

11-20-2007, 10:53 PM	#3
Robin Registered Users Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2,688 Ratings: 429 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: breastmilk question I actually hope to do the same thing. My lactation consultant said the "older" milk would still be fine for a newborn. __________________ Mommy to DS 9 , DS 7 , DD 6 , DD 3 , DS 3 , and DD 4 months ~Our family has been built by birth, adoption, and foster care~ ISO/IHA

11-20-2007, 10:56 PM	#4
Calideedle Registered Users Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Herriman, Utah Posts: 14,602 Ratings: 946 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: breastmilk question With each year/month/etc Breastmilk gets more potent (ie - has more nutrients in it!) __________________ Diana Loving My Munchkins: Kolin [5.5.04] Ava [12.13.05] Aden [2.18.09]

11-21-2007, 03:16 PM	#5
LissAnne Registered Users Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montana Posts: 503 Ratings: 105 Feedback: 100%	Re: breastmilk question Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like it shouldn't be a problem then. I have overproduction issues anyway, so hopefully when the time comes, I'll be able to do it without supplementing! __________________ Melissa - Mom to Preston 1/1/06 and Bryton 9/3/07 Decluttered: 12 bags & boxes. $278! Get paid to take free surveys! $6 welcome survey!