Can You Breastfeed an Adopted Child?

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week.  By now, most of us know that nursing is strongly encouraged for all newborns.  Did you know that embryo adoption allows you to give BIRTH to your ADOPTED child and as a result the opportunity to experience breastfeeding is also available?

Here are six advantages to breastfeeding your child:

• Breastfeeding allows for a healthier, happier baby – Research shows that nursing your new baby results in a reduced risk of asthma, childhood leukemia, obesity, and other chronic illnesses. Babies who breastfeed also have fewer infections, like colds or other viruses (like measles), because the mother’s immunity is passed to the child through breast milk.
• Breastfeeding is also healthy for mothers – Breastfeeding allows for better health and healing while recovering from child birth, due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. Studies show breastfeeding also allows for a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, nursing moms tend to get more sleep during the baby’s first couple months!
• It’s less expensive – According to womenshealth.gov, formula and feeding supplies can cost over $1,500 each year! And as your new baby grows, the more your baby will eat. Breastfeeding is completely free and the mother’s supply will change with the baby’s needs.
• More bonding time with your baby – Physical contact is extremely important for newborns in terms of their growth and development. Skin-to-skin contact while nursing triggers the release of oxytocin, which not only promotes healing after birth, but also creates a stronger bond between mother and child.
• You learn more about your baby’s subtle cues – Because women who breastfeed tend to have a stronger bond with their babies, they tend to pick up on the baby’s cues more easily. Such as when they are hungry or full.
• Lastly, breastfeeding is a major calorie burner! – Yes, it’s true. Nursing mothers burn an estimated 500 extra calories a day due to the production of breast milk and nourishment for the baby. Women who nurse tend to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly than mothers who don’t.

To learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding, you can visit Womenshealth.gov. To learn more about the benefits of embryo adoption visit EmbryoAdoption.org.