Abstract:

Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby. Apart from mothers wanting the best for their babies, breastfeeding symbolizes motherhood in the society. Thus, mothers are urged to breastfeed. In addition, breastfeeding has a positive effect on the motherbaby bond, which also encourages adoptive mothers to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is achieved with induced lactation in adoptive mothers. In this article, the application of a mother who adopted a 10-week-old baby to the breastfeeding outpatient clinic for breastfeeding support was evaluated. Domperidone was started for the mother who had no pregnancy or breastfeeding history. Consequently, skin contact, milking every 3 h, and formula feeding with the finger-feeding method were recommended. The mother, who started milk secretion 1 week later and continued milking, stated that the baby started sucking while sleeping. Thus, the requirement for formula milk decreased. On the 45th day of the process, skin contact, regular milking, and use of domperidone were recommended to the mother whose milk decreased after domperidone cessation. Conversely, the baby whose mother did not use domperidone was also supported with complementary feeding because the baby refused to suck. The mother’s milk secretion stopped after 1 month, and continued pumping was recommended. It was found that the mother breastfed her 20-month-old baby for 5 months. In this case report, a mother with no pregnancy and breastfeeding history was able to feed her baby with breast milk. The baby’s age being younger than 3 months and the mothers’ strong motivation and being closely monitored and supported are few of the most important factors in being successful with the process of induced lactation. Thus, health professionals having information about induced lactation and relactation are integral in starting and continuing with the process.

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