Since my adoption experience was with a much older child, I did not have to think about whether or not I was going to breast feed, he was already waaaay beyond that point!  However, many hopeful adoptive moms wonder about breast feeding their adopted baby; if it is possible, if they should, and of course what others would think!

I came across this article from The Chicago Tribune that is quite informative about adoptive breast feeding.  According to the article there is not only one way to induce breast milk for adopted babies, but several ways, such as simply holding the baby to the breast, using a breast pump, taking natural herbs, as well as using medications.

The idea that simply holding the baby to the breast to induce milk flow fascinated me, and really got me thinking that, even the shyest of moms could give breast feeding a try, just by holding her baby close to her.  How cool is that?  A woman who doesn't want to put chemicals in her body to induce milk could certainly try holding the baby close to her breast, as well as using a breast pump to help move things along.  So if you are a little unsure about breast feeding, but aren't ready to say never, yet, now you know that there are some pretty natural ways to give breast feeding a try.

Be aware, however, that if you decide that you would like to try inducing breast milk with a pump, you need to start four to six weeks prior to the baby arriving.  The key seems to be starting early, so if you are still in your adoption process and are thinking of giving pumping a try, go ahead and give it a whirl!  You can also try taking some herbs, such as fenugreek, milk thistle and goats rue, to help naturally induce the flow of breast milk along with your pumping, or on its own.