Did you know that breastfeeding is not a question of pregnancy or childbirth? Whether it is by a biological mother, an adoptive mother or a nurse, lactation is possible!
It's true: the two hormones that are responsible for lactation is prolactin and oxytocin, are not related to pregnancy or childbirth.
Indeed, they are hormones produced by the pituitary gland and not by the ovaries. Thus, the production of prolactin (a hormone that produces milk) and oxytocin (a hormone that releases milk) can be aroused by nipple stimulation. Even a woman in premenopausal or menopausal, or a woman who had had a hysterectomy, can breastfeed. However, note that it is unlikely that a woman comes to practice induced lactation without feeling a real desire, although the production of breast milk is possible therefore that the child expresses a desire to suckle said.
Studies and case reports
At the nipple stimulation of prolactin secretion responds. Nerve impulses are then carried to the base of the brain, causing the secretion of prolactin by the anterior pituitary. Then stimulates prolactin secretory alveoli development and also triggers the production of milk proteins, lactose and lactation.
Under the action of sucking, the hormone oxytocin, secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, causes contraction of the muscle cells responsible for the flow of milk.
Grandmothers in Africa, having placed a child in order to calm in the absence of his mother, produced milk even though they had no intention of relactate.
The older the child is younger, he will latch on, especially if he was bottle fed. Children under three months are more easily within than those older. (For adopted children, there seems to be a demarcation to eight weeks). The more the baby suckles, the more there are, usually, milk production.
What about the quality of the milk, you ask? Well, the milk produced by induced lactation, as generated, for example, by an adoptive mother, compares well with that of a biological mother, ten days after delivery, with a host of immunizing and nutritional properties. Not bad, eh? Certainly there are minor differences in the concentration of certain nutrients, but essentially, the milk has the same virtues as a biological mother, excluding colostrum.
Few drops of milk, it's better than nothing!
Of course, breastfeeding an adopted child is dependent on several factors. For example, the foster mom must have a pituitary gland, the baby must know or learn to breastfeed, and of course we must be able to produce milk. The protocol of lactation also depends on the time available to the adoptive mother before the baby arrives. But beware: the adoptive mom must be realistic in its expectations - perhaps she will succeed to name a few drops of milk from her breast to her child. But few drops of milk, it's better than nothing! Fortunately, most women eventually produce milk if you let the baby nurse. The important thing in all this is not to produce a significant quantity of milk to feed the child. Indeed, and most moms will tell you, breastfeeding is the unique bond of intimacy that develops with the child, the soft contact with his skin ... it's closer to none .
And in practice?
A host of combinations of tools, techniques and protocols are possible when taking the decision to breastfeed her child adopted: breast massage, pharmaceuticals, herbs, devices lactation aid (such as Medela and Lact -Aid), determination, confidence, support from those around and support of lactation consultants. No mother should be discouraged to breastfeed, if she wants to do, solely on the basis that her child is too old or that she herself is too old.
In its report on relactation, the Health Department and Child Development and Adolescent of the World Health Organization, mentions the importance of considering remind women to initiate breastfeeding their child adopted:
- The benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of being patient and persevering and build her confidence.
- Eating and drinking enough and more to try to rest and relax.
- To nurse the child as often as possible and as long as possible, a minimum of 8 to 10 times per day, and when he so desires.
- Remain as possible close to her child, hold it as often as possible against it.
- Mounted between the milk or the child does not suck, do not give any milk or formula from a bottle and avoid pacifiers.