If you’re planning to adopt or already holding your baby in your arms, and wondering if breastfeeding is even an option, the short answer is yes, it is. Adoptive breastfeeding is absolutely possible. But there’s a bigger question: how much milk can I actually make?
Let’s get into what you can expect, what helps increase your chances, and why it’s worth considering even if your supply ends up small.
How Is Adoptive Breastfeeding Possible?
Your body can be gently “trained” to produce milk through a process called induced lactation. This basically means you use a combination of techniques to trick your body into thinking a baby has been born—even if you haven’t been pregnant.
It might sound a little sci-fi, but it’s actually a well-established method that many adoptive moms and even some surrogates have used. The process usually involves:
- Pumping multiple times a day to stimulate milk production.
- In some cases, taking medications that mimic pregnancy and post-birth hormones.
- Latching your baby to the breast regularly (with or without milk flowing) to encourage your body to respond.
You do not need to have been pregnant before. That said, if you have breastfed a child in the past, your body may respond faster or more fully.
When a baby suckles, it stimulates the release of prolactin—the hormone that triggers milk production. Even moms who haven’t been pregnant can boost their prolactin through consistent stimulation. Moms who have breastfed before may find it easier, since their milk ducts and glands are already primed.
Why Adoptive Breastfeeding Is More Than Just Milk
Adoptive breastfeeding is not only possible but can be powerfully healing—for both you and your child. If your baby or toddler has come from a background of trauma, abuse, or disrupted caregiving, breastfeeding can be a grounding experience. It offers comfort, trust, and a safe place to land.
Even older babies, well past the newborn stage, have shown positive responses to nursing. Some moms report that their six-month-old adopted baby, who had trouble sleeping or calming down, became more relaxed and secure through breastfeeding.
The act of nursing, even if you’re supplementing, helps build attachment. Skin-to-skin contact, the rhythm of nursing, and being close to you helps your baby feel wanted and safe.
How Much Milk Can You Really Make?
This is the question every hopeful breastfeeding mom wants to know. And here’s the honest answer: There’s a wide range, and it depends on several factors. Some adoptive moms make a full milk supply. Others make a few ounces a day. Some make just drops. All of those outcomes are normal.
Here’s what research shows:
- In a well-known study of 240 adoptive mothers, almost all were able to produce some milk. A few reached full supply.
- Another report found the average was around 50 ml (about 1.7 oz) per feeding—with some moms making as much as 220 ml (7.5 oz).
- For comparison, most biological moms make 25-35 oz a day by 4–6 weeks postpartum.
That doesn’t mean you have to hit those numbers. Many adoptive moms use a supplemental nursing system (SNS) to give formula, expressed or donor milk at the breast, while still stimulating milk production.
And yes, every drop you make counts. It carries your antibodies and helps protect your baby. It also builds connection.
What Affects How Much Milk You Can Make?
There are several key factors that influence how much milk your body may produce through induced lactation:
Key Influencing Factors
- Prior breastfeeding experience: If you’ve lactated before, your milk-making tissue is already developed.
- How early you start: The more time you give your body to respond before baby arrives, the better.
- Consistency: Pumping every 2–3 hours (even overnight) can make a big difference.
- Medications: Some moms use hormone therapy or milk-boosting meds (like domperidone) under a doctor’s care.
- Your baby’s latch and feeding behavior: If your baby is nursing well, that’s a powerful stimulator.
- Support: Emotional and logistical support can help you stick with the process, even when it’s tough.
- Positioning and technique: Struggles with latch, breast positioning, or poor milk removal can make supply-building harder.
Realistic Expectations for Adoptive Breastfeeding
Let’s be real—most adoptive moms don’t end up with a full milk supply. But that doesn’t mean breastfeeding is off the table.
Here are three common outcomes:
- Small Supply + SNS: You make some milk and use a supplemental nursing system to provide the rest.
- Partial Supply + Bottle Top-Ups: You breastfeed, then offer a bottle to finish the feed.
- Minimal Supply + Bonding Time: You offer the breast for comfort, even if little or no milk is made.
All of these are valid. Your baby benefits from the closeness and connection. You’re still “really” breastfeeding.
If you’re worried about not producing enough, donor milk from a milk bank can be another option to explore.
How To Start Inducing Lactation
If you haven’t brought baby home yet, you’re in a great spot to begin. Here’s a general step-by-step timeline you can follow:
Before Baby Arrives
- Two to three months before:
- Ask your doctor about starting hormonal therapy to mimic pregnancy.
- Begin pumping 5–8 times a day for 10–15 minutes per session.
- Four to six weeks before:
- Stop hormonal therapy (if using) to mimic birth.
- Continue regular pumping, aiming to increase output.
After Baby Comes Home
- Offer the breast often, even if milk is low.
- Use a supplemental nursing system to feed at the breast.
- Keep up with pumping between or after feeds.
- Practice breast massage and compression.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished.
- Consider herbal supplements (with medical guidance).
- Avoid pacifier use early on.
- Babywearing and skin-to-skin time help boost supply.
What Is A Supplemental Nursing System?
A supplemental nursing system (SNS) is a small tube that delivers milk (formula or donor milk) to your baby while they nurse at the breast. The tubing is taped so the end sits near your nipple, and baby gets milk both from your breast and the reservoir.
It’s a win-win: baby stays at the breast, helping stimulate your supply, while also receiving the nourishment they need.
Many moms use an SNS long-term or just in the early stages as their milk supply builds.
What About Nipple Confusion?
If your baby has already been bottle-fed, they might initially resist the breast. That’s okay.
Finger feeding can be a helpful first step. It allows baby to stay off the bottle and transition gradually to breastfeeding. Using a supplemental nursing system also helps keep them at the breast while ensuring they get enough milk.
Some moms have successfully started adoptive breastfeeding even when their baby was six months or older. Earlier is easier, but it’s never too late to try.
Breastfeeding More Than One Child
If you’re already breastfeeding another child and you adopt a newborn, it’s possible to nurse both. Your body can adapt. You might need to adjust your feeding routine and monitor your baby’s weight to make sure both are getting enough.
You won’t produce colostrum for your adopted baby, but breastmilk still provides powerful protection and nourishment.
With adoptive nursing, support is everything. Talk to other moms who’ve done it. Reach out to a lactation consultant. Don’t go it alone.
Final Thoughts
Whatever the outcome, what matters most is the love and presence you bring to your baby, every single day.
“I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” – Art Williams
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Induced Lactation: A Study of Adoptive Nursing by 240 Women — Auerbach K.G., Avery J.L. (1981-04). This foundational study offers early, large-sample insight into how many adoptive mothers were able to produce milk, what influenced success, and outcomes of induced lactation.
- Breastfeeding & Adoption: A Retrospective Qualitative Survey — Livingstone V., Armstrong C. (1999). Reports on actual milk volumes achieved by adoptive breastfeeding mothers, including averages (~50 mL per feed) and upper-range outcomes (up to 220 mL).
- Methods and Success Factors of Induced Lactation: A Scoping Review — Cazorla-Ortiz G. et al. (2020). A modern evidence review covering medical, mechanical, and lifestyle methods for inducing lactation, and which factors most influence success.
- Induced Lactation: Can I Breastfeed My Adopted Baby? — Mayo Clinic (2024). Providing baseline facts, expectations, and encouragement.
