Breastfeeding

PedsNP2007 · Oct 13, 2008

Hi,

First, sorry that this is long. I need advice re breastfeeding and my sister with CF.

My sister and her husband are going to be parents of their first child, a son. Their gestational surrogate (biologically related to my sister and brother in law) is due Dec 19, 2008.

My sister wants to breastfeed her son. I am all for breastfeeding, but am concerned about the health implications. I've read the breastfeeding postings on the forum. A majority of them have indicated that within a few weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding, CF mothers are back to pre-pregnancy weight and some are even under that weight due to the stress of a newborn and caloric impact on breastfeeding.

My sister is not at her optimal health. Her FEV1 is around 40's; thus, the reason for a surrogate although she is considering it for her next child (another stressful issue for another day!). She has always been underweight for her height. Recently over the last 5-6 months she has gained about 10-20 lbs, both with sporadic use of megace and sheer luck. Her weight is now normal for her height (120 lbs, 5'4/5"). Thus, this is not reflecting weight gain needed in pregnancy. I assume she would have gained 10 lbs (hopefully) if she was pregnant. So her losing weight from breastfeeding would make her go under her normal weight. Her current BMI is 20.6. I know many CF centers like a BMI around 21 -- my center wants me at 21 when I get pregnant.

She's been following the adoption breastfeeding protocol. She's on domperidone, a galactogogue to help enhance lactation. Now she is due to start pumping, about 6-8 weeks prior to the baby being born. So that by the time the baby is born, she will have an adequate milk supply to solely breastfeed. Her surrogate plans on breastfeeding right after birth and pump also to provide milk.

My main issues is my worry about her losing her weight buffer. I think she has been far more healthy being at a normal weight finally. I worry she will lose a lot right away and lose ground.

How many extra calories does she need? I am assuming she needs about 2500-3000 calories now. I've read that an extra 200-500 calories is needed for maintaining weight. I don't see how that will be possible since some days she will be exhausted and not eat much... she's definitely not as "heavy" as she was a month ago due to recent colds, etc.

I will support her in this breastfeeding endeavor as long as she understands how serious it is to maintain her caloric intake to avoid losing excessive weight. I know she is in for a surprise when she is a full-time mom; I don't think she grasps how difficult it will be to manage her lung issues, a newborn baby feeding every 2-3 hours, and maintaining time to take in the caloric needs for her to maintain an adequate weight.
She's usually tired on her own after being a teacher's aide 6 hours a day. She is not going back to work after the baby is born.
I want to be there to help her out during this time, but I am ultimately wanting to protect my sister's health.

So if someone can help provide info regarding this issue, I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks, Jenn
30 year old cf, cfrd

PedsNP2007 · Oct 13, 2008

Hi,

First, sorry that this is long. I need advice re breastfeeding and my sister with CF.

My sister and her husband are going to be parents of their first child, a son. Their gestational surrogate (biologically related to my sister and brother in law) is due Dec 19, 2008.

My sister wants to breastfeed her son. I am all for breastfeeding, but am concerned about the health implications. I've read the breastfeeding postings on the forum. A majority of them have indicated that within a few weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding, CF mothers are back to pre-pregnancy weight and some are even under that weight due to the stress of a newborn and caloric impact on breastfeeding.

My sister is not at her optimal health. Her FEV1 is around 40's; thus, the reason for a surrogate although she is considering it for her next child (another stressful issue for another day!). She has always been underweight for her height. Recently over the last 5-6 months she has gained about 10-20 lbs, both with sporadic use of megace and sheer luck. Her weight is now normal for her height (120 lbs, 5'4/5"). Thus, this is not reflecting weight gain needed in pregnancy. I assume she would have gained 10 lbs (hopefully) if she was pregnant. So her losing weight from breastfeeding would make her go under her normal weight. Her current BMI is 20.6. I know many CF centers like a BMI around 21 -- my center wants me at 21 when I get pregnant.

She's been following the adoption breastfeeding protocol. She's on domperidone, a galactogogue to help enhance lactation. Now she is due to start pumping, about 6-8 weeks prior to the baby being born. So that by the time the baby is born, she will have an adequate milk supply to solely breastfeed. Her surrogate plans on breastfeeding right after birth and pump also to provide milk.

My main issues is my worry about her losing her weight buffer. I think she has been far more healthy being at a normal weight finally. I worry she will lose a lot right away and lose ground.

How many extra calories does she need? I am assuming she needs about 2500-3000 calories now. I've read that an extra 200-500 calories is needed for maintaining weight. I don't see how that will be possible since some days she will be exhausted and not eat much... she's definitely not as "heavy" as she was a month ago due to recent colds, etc.

I will support her in this breastfeeding endeavor as long as she understands how serious it is to maintain her caloric intake to avoid losing excessive weight. I know she is in for a surprise when she is a full-time mom; I don't think she grasps how difficult it will be to manage her lung issues, a newborn baby feeding every 2-3 hours, and maintaining time to take in the caloric needs for her to maintain an adequate weight.
She's usually tired on her own after being a teacher's aide 6 hours a day. She is not going back to work after the baby is born.
I want to be there to help her out during this time, but I am ultimately wanting to protect my sister's health.

So if someone can help provide info regarding this issue, I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks, Jenn
30 year old cf, cfrd

PedsNP2007 · Oct 13, 2008

Hi,

First, sorry that this is long. I need advice re breastfeeding and my sister with CF.

My sister and her husband are going to be parents of their first child, a son. Their gestational surrogate (biologically related to my sister and brother in law) is due Dec 19, 2008.

My sister wants to breastfeed her son. I am all for breastfeeding, but am concerned about the health implications. I've read the breastfeeding postings on the forum. A majority of them have indicated that within a few weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding, CF mothers are back to pre-pregnancy weight and some are even under that weight due to the stress of a newborn and caloric impact on breastfeeding.

My sister is not at her optimal health. Her FEV1 is around 40's; thus, the reason for a surrogate although she is considering it for her next child (another stressful issue for another day!). She has always been underweight for her height. Recently over the last 5-6 months she has gained about 10-20 lbs, both with sporadic use of megace and sheer luck. Her weight is now normal for her height (120 lbs, 5'4/5"). Thus, this is not reflecting weight gain needed in pregnancy. I assume she would have gained 10 lbs (hopefully) if she was pregnant. So her losing weight from breastfeeding would make her go under her normal weight. Her current BMI is 20.6. I know many CF centers like a BMI around 21 -- my center wants me at 21 when I get pregnant.

She's been following the adoption breastfeeding protocol. She's on domperidone, a galactogogue to help enhance lactation. Now she is due to start pumping, about 6-8 weeks prior to the baby being born. So that by the time the baby is born, she will have an adequate milk supply to solely breastfeed. Her surrogate plans on breastfeeding right after birth and pump also to provide milk.

My main issues is my worry about her losing her weight buffer. I think she has been far more healthy being at a normal weight finally. I worry she will lose a lot right away and lose ground.

How many extra calories does she need? I am assuming she needs about 2500-3000 calories now. I've read that an extra 200-500 calories is needed for maintaining weight. I don't see how that will be possible since some days she will be exhausted and not eat much... she's definitely not as "heavy" as she was a month ago due to recent colds, etc.

I will support her in this breastfeeding endeavor as long as she understands how serious it is to maintain her caloric intake to avoid losing excessive weight. I know she is in for a surprise when she is a full-time mom; I don't think she grasps how difficult it will be to manage her lung issues, a newborn baby feeding every 2-3 hours, and maintaining time to take in the caloric needs for her to maintain an adequate weight.
She's usually tired on her own after being a teacher's aide 6 hours a day. She is not going back to work after the baby is born.
I want to be there to help her out during this time, but I am ultimately wanting to protect my sister's health.

So if someone can help provide info regarding this issue, I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks, Jenn
30 year old cf, cfrd

PedsNP2007 · Oct 13, 2008

Hi,

First, sorry that this is long. I need advice re breastfeeding and my sister with CF.

My sister and her husband are going to be parents of their first child, a son. Their gestational surrogate (biologically related to my sister and brother in law) is due Dec 19, 2008.

My sister wants to breastfeed her son. I am all for breastfeeding, but am concerned about the health implications. I've read the breastfeeding postings on the forum. A majority of them have indicated that within a few weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding, CF mothers are back to pre-pregnancy weight and some are even under that weight due to the stress of a newborn and caloric impact on breastfeeding.

My sister is not at her optimal health. Her FEV1 is around 40's; thus, the reason for a surrogate although she is considering it for her next child (another stressful issue for another day!). She has always been underweight for her height. Recently over the last 5-6 months she has gained about 10-20 lbs, both with sporadic use of megace and sheer luck. Her weight is now normal for her height (120 lbs, 5'4/5"). Thus, this is not reflecting weight gain needed in pregnancy. I assume she would have gained 10 lbs (hopefully) if she was pregnant. So her losing weight from breastfeeding would make her go under her normal weight. Her current BMI is 20.6. I know many CF centers like a BMI around 21 -- my center wants me at 21 when I get pregnant.

She's been following the adoption breastfeeding protocol. She's on domperidone, a galactogogue to help enhance lactation. Now she is due to start pumping, about 6-8 weeks prior to the baby being born. So that by the time the baby is born, she will have an adequate milk supply to solely breastfeed. Her surrogate plans on breastfeeding right after birth and pump also to provide milk.

My main issues is my worry about her losing her weight buffer. I think she has been far more healthy being at a normal weight finally. I worry she will lose a lot right away and lose ground.

How many extra calories does she need? I am assuming she needs about 2500-3000 calories now. I've read that an extra 200-500 calories is needed for maintaining weight. I don't see how that will be possible since some days she will be exhausted and not eat much... she's definitely not as "heavy" as she was a month ago due to recent colds, etc.

I will support her in this breastfeeding endeavor as long as she understands how serious it is to maintain her caloric intake to avoid losing excessive weight. I know she is in for a surprise when she is a full-time mom; I don't think she grasps how difficult it will be to manage her lung issues, a newborn baby feeding every 2-3 hours, and maintaining time to take in the caloric needs for her to maintain an adequate weight.
She's usually tired on her own after being a teacher's aide 6 hours a day. She is not going back to work after the baby is born.
I want to be there to help her out during this time, but I am ultimately wanting to protect my sister's health.

So if someone can help provide info regarding this issue, I'd be very appreciative.

Thanks, Jenn
30 year old cf, cfrd

PedsNP2007 · Oct 13, 2008

Hi,
 
 First, sorry that this is long. I need advice re breastfeeding and my sister with CF.
 
 My sister and her husband are going to be parents of their first child, a son. Their gestational surrogate (biologically related to my sister and brother in law) is due Dec 19, 2008.
 
 My sister wants to breastfeed her son. I am all for breastfeeding, but am concerned about the health implications. I've read the breastfeeding postings on the forum. A majority of them have indicated that within a few weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding, CF mothers are back to pre-pregnancy weight and some are even under that weight due to the stress of a newborn and caloric impact on breastfeeding.
 
 My sister is not at her optimal health. Her FEV1 is around 40's; thus, the reason for a surrogate although she is considering it for her next child (another stressful issue for another day!). She has always been underweight for her height. Recently over the last 5-6 months she has gained about 10-20 lbs, both with sporadic use of megace and sheer luck. Her weight is now normal for her height (120 lbs, 5'4/5"). Thus, this is not reflecting weight gain needed in pregnancy. I assume she would have gained 10 lbs (hopefully) if she was pregnant. So her losing weight from breastfeeding would make her go under her normal weight. Her current BMI is 20.6. I know many CF centers like a BMI around 21 -- my center wants me at 21 when I get pregnant.
 
 She's been following the adoption breastfeeding protocol. She's on domperidone, a galactogogue to help enhance lactation. Now she is due to start pumping, about 6-8 weeks prior to the baby being born. So that by the time the baby is born, she will have an adequate milk supply to solely breastfeed. Her surrogate plans on breastfeeding right after birth and pump also to provide milk.
 
 My main issues is my worry about her losing her weight buffer. I think she has been far more healthy being at a normal weight finally. I worry she will lose a lot right away and lose ground.
 
 How many extra calories does she need? I am assuming she needs about 2500-3000 calories now. I've read that an extra 200-500 calories is needed for maintaining weight. I don't see how that will be possible since some days she will be exhausted and not eat much... she's definitely not as "heavy" as she was a month ago due to recent colds, etc.
 
 I will support her in this breastfeeding endeavor as long as she understands how serious it is to maintain her caloric intake to avoid losing excessive weight. I know she is in for a surprise when she is a full-time mom; I don't think she grasps how difficult it will be to manage her lung issues, a newborn baby feeding every 2-3 hours, and maintaining time to take in the caloric needs for her to maintain an adequate weight.
 She's usually tired on her own after being a teacher's aide 6 hours a day. She is not going back to work after the baby is born.
 I want to be there to help her out during this time, but I am ultimately wanting to protect my sister's health.
 
 
 So if someone can help provide info regarding this issue, I'd be very appreciative.
 
 Thanks, Jenn
 30 year old cf, cfrd

just1more · Oct 13, 2008

Ok, just checked with my wife (RN + breastfeeding guru + spent most of the last decade nursing).

Normally breastfeeding a newborn requires an additional 3-500 calories a day so your information you found is fairly accurate.

I would agree the biggest concern is maintaining her weight, but ultimately this would have to be her focus. The fact that she has gone this far means she is obviously committed to doing what is best for little one (nursing) so the trick now is to find ways to keep the calories up. Hopefully some of the adult cystics will have ideas for her.

As far as effort, nursing is easier than bottle feeding hands-down. There is no mixing/heating/running to the store/ect. Plus, she will figure out very quickly how to do while lying down and can even doze, something you can't do with a bottle.

I wish your sister the best. If you have any nursing related questions, PM my wife, testifytolove, here or PM me and I'll have her get in touch with you.

just1more · Oct 13, 2008

Ok, just checked with my wife (RN + breastfeeding guru + spent most of the last decade nursing).

Normally breastfeeding a newborn requires an additional 3-500 calories a day so your information you found is fairly accurate.

I would agree the biggest concern is maintaining her weight, but ultimately this would have to be her focus. The fact that she has gone this far means she is obviously committed to doing what is best for little one (nursing) so the trick now is to find ways to keep the calories up. Hopefully some of the adult cystics will have ideas for her.

As far as effort, nursing is easier than bottle feeding hands-down. There is no mixing/heating/running to the store/ect. Plus, she will figure out very quickly how to do while lying down and can even doze, something you can't do with a bottle.

I wish your sister the best. If you have any nursing related questions, PM my wife, testifytolove, here or PM me and I'll have her get in touch with you.

just1more · Oct 13, 2008

Ok, just checked with my wife (RN + breastfeeding guru + spent most of the last decade nursing).

Normally breastfeeding a newborn requires an additional 3-500 calories a day so your information you found is fairly accurate.

I would agree the biggest concern is maintaining her weight, but ultimately this would have to be her focus. The fact that she has gone this far means she is obviously committed to doing what is best for little one (nursing) so the trick now is to find ways to keep the calories up. Hopefully some of the adult cystics will have ideas for her.

As far as effort, nursing is easier than bottle feeding hands-down. There is no mixing/heating/running to the store/ect. Plus, she will figure out very quickly how to do while lying down and can even doze, something you can't do with a bottle.

I wish your sister the best. If you have any nursing related questions, PM my wife, testifytolove, here or PM me and I'll have her get in touch with you.

just1more · Oct 13, 2008

Ok, just checked with my wife (RN + breastfeeding guru + spent most of the last decade nursing).

Normally breastfeeding a newborn requires an additional 3-500 calories a day so your information you found is fairly accurate.

I would agree the biggest concern is maintaining her weight, but ultimately this would have to be her focus. The fact that she has gone this far means she is obviously committed to doing what is best for little one (nursing) so the trick now is to find ways to keep the calories up. Hopefully some of the adult cystics will have ideas for her.

As far as effort, nursing is easier than bottle feeding hands-down. There is no mixing/heating/running to the store/ect. Plus, she will figure out very quickly how to do while lying down and can even doze, something you can't do with a bottle.

I wish your sister the best. If you have any nursing related questions, PM my wife, testifytolove, here or PM me and I'll have her get in touch with you.

just1more · Oct 13, 2008

Ok, just checked with my wife (RN + breastfeeding guru + spent most of the last decade nursing).
 
 Normally breastfeeding a newborn requires an additional 3-500 calories a day so your information you found is fairly accurate.
 
 I would agree the biggest concern is maintaining her weight, but ultimately this would have to be her focus. The fact that she has gone this far means she is obviously committed to doing what is best for little one (nursing) so the trick now is to find ways to keep the calories up. Hopefully some of the adult cystics will have ideas for her.
 
 As far as effort, nursing is easier than bottle feeding hands-down. There is no mixing/heating/running to the store/ect. Plus, she will figure out very quickly how to do while lying down and can even doze, something you can't do with a bottle.
 
 I wish your sister the best. If you have any nursing related questions, PM my wife, testifytolove, here or PM me and I'll have her get in touch with you.

hopesiris · Oct 13, 2008

I don't know how breastfeeding would affect someone with her health but I just wanted to throw it out there that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combo feeding is great because a bottle of formula can come in handy when mom wants to pass baby off to someone else so she can sleep. Depending on how much milk she's able to produce maybe she'd have to do that anyway?

Some of us who nursed just had food available all the time. Mine was on a table next to the spot I nursed at, along with a half gallon truckers jug filled with cold water. I also keep granola bars in the diaper bag. Costco sells big containers of cashew nuts that are delicious and also big boxes of peanut granola bars. Aside from the extra 500 calories she'll need to drink at least 64 ounces (or more) of water a day so having a big jug and some bottles that can be put in her diaper bag would be helpful too. Grazing while nursing is easy especially if you have a Boppy pillow to rest the baby on. Amelia never minded the crumbs in her hair <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I just weaned my 1 year old daughter and I don't feel more energetic so I think maybe the milk production doesn't sap energy as much as lack of sleep when you are nursing a newborn. I'd be more concerned with how the first few months go as far as getting enough hours of sleep-formula or breast. Hopefully there is someone who can do some of the night feeds.

Hope this helps.

hopesiris · Oct 13, 2008

I don't know how breastfeeding would affect someone with her health but I just wanted to throw it out there that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combo feeding is great because a bottle of formula can come in handy when mom wants to pass baby off to someone else so she can sleep. Depending on how much milk she's able to produce maybe she'd have to do that anyway?

Some of us who nursed just had food available all the time. Mine was on a table next to the spot I nursed at, along with a half gallon truckers jug filled with cold water. I also keep granola bars in the diaper bag. Costco sells big containers of cashew nuts that are delicious and also big boxes of peanut granola bars. Aside from the extra 500 calories she'll need to drink at least 64 ounces (or more) of water a day so having a big jug and some bottles that can be put in her diaper bag would be helpful too. Grazing while nursing is easy especially if you have a Boppy pillow to rest the baby on. Amelia never minded the crumbs in her hair <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I just weaned my 1 year old daughter and I don't feel more energetic so I think maybe the milk production doesn't sap energy as much as lack of sleep when you are nursing a newborn. I'd be more concerned with how the first few months go as far as getting enough hours of sleep-formula or breast. Hopefully there is someone who can do some of the night feeds.

Hope this helps.

hopesiris · Oct 13, 2008

I don't know how breastfeeding would affect someone with her health but I just wanted to throw it out there that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combo feeding is great because a bottle of formula can come in handy when mom wants to pass baby off to someone else so she can sleep. Depending on how much milk she's able to produce maybe she'd have to do that anyway?

Some of us who nursed just had food available all the time. Mine was on a table next to the spot I nursed at, along with a half gallon truckers jug filled with cold water. I also keep granola bars in the diaper bag. Costco sells big containers of cashew nuts that are delicious and also big boxes of peanut granola bars. Aside from the extra 500 calories she'll need to drink at least 64 ounces (or more) of water a day so having a big jug and some bottles that can be put in her diaper bag would be helpful too. Grazing while nursing is easy especially if you have a Boppy pillow to rest the baby on. Amelia never minded the crumbs in her hair <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I just weaned my 1 year old daughter and I don't feel more energetic so I think maybe the milk production doesn't sap energy as much as lack of sleep when you are nursing a newborn. I'd be more concerned with how the first few months go as far as getting enough hours of sleep-formula or breast. Hopefully there is someone who can do some of the night feeds.

Hope this helps.

hopesiris · Oct 13, 2008

I don't know how breastfeeding would affect someone with her health but I just wanted to throw it out there that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combo feeding is great because a bottle of formula can come in handy when mom wants to pass baby off to someone else so she can sleep. Depending on how much milk she's able to produce maybe she'd have to do that anyway?

Some of us who nursed just had food available all the time. Mine was on a table next to the spot I nursed at, along with a half gallon truckers jug filled with cold water. I also keep granola bars in the diaper bag. Costco sells big containers of cashew nuts that are delicious and also big boxes of peanut granola bars. Aside from the extra 500 calories she'll need to drink at least 64 ounces (or more) of water a day so having a big jug and some bottles that can be put in her diaper bag would be helpful too. Grazing while nursing is easy especially if you have a Boppy pillow to rest the baby on. Amelia never minded the crumbs in her hair <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I just weaned my 1 year old daughter and I don't feel more energetic so I think maybe the milk production doesn't sap energy as much as lack of sleep when you are nursing a newborn. I'd be more concerned with how the first few months go as far as getting enough hours of sleep-formula or breast. Hopefully there is someone who can do some of the night feeds.

Hope this helps.

hopesiris · Oct 13, 2008

I don't know how breastfeeding would affect someone with her health but I just wanted to throw it out there that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Combo feeding is great because a bottle of formula can come in handy when mom wants to pass baby off to someone else so she can sleep. Depending on how much milk she's able to produce maybe she'd have to do that anyway?
 
 Some of us who nursed just had food available all the time. Mine was on a table next to the spot I nursed at, along with a half gallon truckers jug filled with cold water. I also keep granola bars in the diaper bag. Costco sells big containers of cashew nuts that are delicious and also big boxes of peanut granola bars. Aside from the extra 500 calories she'll need to drink at least 64 ounces (or more) of water a day so having a big jug and some bottles that can be put in her diaper bag would be helpful too. Grazing while nursing is easy especially if you have a Boppy pillow to rest the baby on. Amelia never minded the crumbs in her hair <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
 I just weaned my 1 year old daughter and I don't feel more energetic so I think maybe the milk production doesn't sap energy as much as lack of sleep when you are nursing a newborn. I'd be more concerned with how the first few months go as far as getting enough hours of sleep-formula or breast. Hopefully there is someone who can do some of the night feeds.
 
 Hope this helps.

Keepercjr · Oct 14, 2008

Jenn

I think it is commendable that your sis wants to bf her baby! Not many would go to the lengths she is going to. I think she'll be ok - her body won't be recovering from pregnancy and childbirth so she'll have those things going for her. And she won't be working which saps energy. What she needs in the beginning is help and lots of it. Newborns can eat hourly. She needs a stocked nursing station with water and food. Someone else can do the cooking and cleaning. At night her husband can change the baby so she doesn't have to get out of bed. If she isn't having the baby sleep in bed with her (I highly recommend that by the way - it is the best way of getting enough sleep as well as supportive of breastfeeding and the studies support this) then her husband can get the baby and bring it to her for feeds also. Giving a bottle for one feed a night shouldn't hurt if they choose to do that.

It is hard for an "adoptive" mother to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed but it isn't impossible. Will she be using a SNS to give any additional milk or formula? That will help also.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about the nutritional impact at this point. Like I said, her body won't be recovering. She needs to make the commitment and if she does so, she'll be fine.

Keepercjr · Oct 14, 2008

Jenn

I think it is commendable that your sis wants to bf her baby! Not many would go to the lengths she is going to. I think she'll be ok - her body won't be recovering from pregnancy and childbirth so she'll have those things going for her. And she won't be working which saps energy. What she needs in the beginning is help and lots of it. Newborns can eat hourly. She needs a stocked nursing station with water and food. Someone else can do the cooking and cleaning. At night her husband can change the baby so she doesn't have to get out of bed. If she isn't having the baby sleep in bed with her (I highly recommend that by the way - it is the best way of getting enough sleep as well as supportive of breastfeeding and the studies support this) then her husband can get the baby and bring it to her for feeds also. Giving a bottle for one feed a night shouldn't hurt if they choose to do that.

It is hard for an "adoptive" mother to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed but it isn't impossible. Will she be using a SNS to give any additional milk or formula? That will help also.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about the nutritional impact at this point. Like I said, her body won't be recovering. She needs to make the commitment and if she does so, she'll be fine.

Keepercjr · Oct 14, 2008

Jenn

I think it is commendable that your sis wants to bf her baby! Not many would go to the lengths she is going to. I think she'll be ok - her body won't be recovering from pregnancy and childbirth so she'll have those things going for her. And she won't be working which saps energy. What she needs in the beginning is help and lots of it. Newborns can eat hourly. She needs a stocked nursing station with water and food. Someone else can do the cooking and cleaning. At night her husband can change the baby so she doesn't have to get out of bed. If she isn't having the baby sleep in bed with her (I highly recommend that by the way - it is the best way of getting enough sleep as well as supportive of breastfeeding and the studies support this) then her husband can get the baby and bring it to her for feeds also. Giving a bottle for one feed a night shouldn't hurt if they choose to do that.

It is hard for an "adoptive" mother to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed but it isn't impossible. Will she be using a SNS to give any additional milk or formula? That will help also.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about the nutritional impact at this point. Like I said, her body won't be recovering. She needs to make the commitment and if she does so, she'll be fine.

Keepercjr · Oct 14, 2008

Jenn

I think it is commendable that your sis wants to bf her baby! Not many would go to the lengths she is going to. I think she'll be ok - her body won't be recovering from pregnancy and childbirth so she'll have those things going for her. And she won't be working which saps energy. What she needs in the beginning is help and lots of it. Newborns can eat hourly. She needs a stocked nursing station with water and food. Someone else can do the cooking and cleaning. At night her husband can change the baby so she doesn't have to get out of bed. If she isn't having the baby sleep in bed with her (I highly recommend that by the way - it is the best way of getting enough sleep as well as supportive of breastfeeding and the studies support this) then her husband can get the baby and bring it to her for feeds also. Giving a bottle for one feed a night shouldn't hurt if they choose to do that.

It is hard for an "adoptive" mother to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed but it isn't impossible. Will she be using a SNS to give any additional milk or formula? That will help also.

Honestly I wouldn't worry about the nutritional impact at this point. Like I said, her body won't be recovering. She needs to make the commitment and if she does so, she'll be fine.

Keepercjr · Oct 14, 2008

Jenn
 
 I think it is commendable that your sis wants to bf her baby! Not many would go to the lengths she is going to. I think she'll be ok - her body won't be recovering from pregnancy and childbirth so she'll have those things going for her. And she won't be working which saps energy. What she needs in the beginning is help and lots of it. Newborns can eat hourly. She needs a stocked nursing station with water and food. Someone else can do the cooking and cleaning. At night her husband can change the baby so she doesn't have to get out of bed. If she isn't having the baby sleep in bed with her (I highly recommend that by the way - it is the best way of getting enough sleep as well as supportive of breastfeeding and the studies support this) then her husband can get the baby and bring it to her for feeds also. Giving a bottle for one feed a night shouldn't hurt if they choose to do that.
 
 It is hard for an "adoptive" mother to make enough milk to exclusively breastfeed but it isn't impossible. Will she be using a SNS to give any additional milk or formula? That will help also.
 
 Honestly I wouldn't worry about the nutritional impact at this point. Like I said, her body won't be recovering. She needs to make the commitment and if she does so, she'll be fine.

Breastfeeding

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