Ask Our Expert - An Adoptive Mother Worried About Not Breastfeeding

October 13, 2008

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Ask Dr. Jana An Adoptive Mother Worried About Not Breastfeeding

QUESTION


My sons are adopted. Should I worry about the fact that everyone says breast milk is best, but they both got formula? — Christina in Tallmadge, Ohio

ANSWER	May 27, 2000


No. The large majority of children who are raised drinking formula do perfectly well. While I assume you worry because you have heard of the many benefits to breastfeeding, you should focus on the many beneficial things you are able to do for your sons to help them reach their full potential. Talking to them, singing, reading, playing, and simply giving them love and attention are all factors which are almost certainly more potent than breastmilk. Raising adopted children poses many challenges, above and beyond the usual ones. How they were fed is just one aspect of your sons' early lives over which you had no control. You have assumed a very special role as an adoptive parent and should be assured that the things you do have control of - how you care for, protect, nurture, discipline, and support them - are much more important to your children's well-being in the long run. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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