Intrepid Murmurings

Glad to finally see a discussion on this: Adoptive Breastfeeding!
Wow, just read a really thoughtful post over on the wide tent by mamamarta. She is giving her thoughts on adoptive breastfeeding, something I had discovered and was contemplating when we were in the midst of the adoption stuff. It is an issue that is quite controversial, as you can see by the discussion following this post by AfrIndie Mum (she also wrote a follow-up, here ). I do like the idea very much, and think the health and nutritive benefits of breastfeeding are really something to consider, with adopted as well as biological babies. But I do understand that the prep involved (which is not always or completely necessary, but is helpful) could add pressure to a pregnant woman considering placement and has the potential to be coersive. My opinion is that adoptive breastfeeding is something that should absolutely be openly discussed and agreed to before matching or placement, and that the first mother's wishes be respected on this. The idea of keeping this kind of thing from a first mother or not respecting her wishes on it is seems totally against the spirit of openness in adoption that I feel so strongly about. On the other hand, I wonder if, even with this openness, it is possible for a pregnant woman considering adoption to not feel some pressure to place, knowing that breastfeeding prep is going on? It would take a very dedicated and ethical agency and counselors, to minimize this, I would imagine...tricky stuff indeed.