Can supplemental feedings ever be eliminated?
A. Peak milk production is achieved by the adoptive-nursing mother occurs on the average at 12 weeks after onset of lactation. At that point, the adopted baby may be nursing half or most feedings without supplements, or requiring small amounts, or large amounts of supplement at each feeding. Upon the introduction of solids, supplementary milk or formula can be significantly reduced. Care must be taken to assure adequate liquids if milk supply is quite low, however, by using a Lact-Aid System. It is important to keep in mind the individual mother’s lactation potential, taking into account any fertility or hormonal factors and any infant factors. Some adoptive mothers are also women who work outside the home and must return to work after their adoption leave. So, for them, milk supply issues should be of less importance than guidance in maintaining the nursing relationship. Keep in mind that women nursing their homemade babies, will be giving their infants mixed sources of nutrition, whe
