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A Breastfeeding Story: Zoe

Written by:  Jamie

**Update: Zoe’s daughters came home! Read her updated breastfeeding story : “Why I Let My Adopted Pre-Schoolers Nurse.” And be sure to follow her on Facebook! **

Meet Zoe!

I really don’t have enough good things to say about her. She is such a fun person with a family that sounds so wonderful I secretly hope that one of my children marries on of their daughters, so I can be a part of it, too!

Now the unique thing about today’s feature is Zoe has no children…yet. They are still waiting for their referral. They are adopting two siblings from Ethiopia.

Tell us about your personal breastfeeding experience with your children.

Well, I don’t have any. I know… weird that I’m showing up here to talk about this, but Jamie asked me to, so blame her.
I’m not a mother yet — my husband and I are in the process of adopting two children from Ethiopia. I did, however, grow up around a lot of breast-feeding… I’m the oldest of ten and my mother breast-fed every one of us. When I was young, breast-feeding was out of style. “Progressive” moms were using formula… you were considered old-fashioned and backward if you didn’t. My mother — never one to follow the crowd — thought this was ridiculous and did it anyway. All of my sisters have breast-fed their children. It was always a no-brainer for me… breast milk is healthier and the best way to nourish little ones.
I also know women who’ve struggled to breast feed for one reason or another and had trouble with low milk supplies, even after seeking advice and assistance. I never presume to know what’s gone into a woman’s decision about this. It’s true that some people are ignorant about the benefits of breast milk or about how to help themselves when it doesn’t come easy — there certainly needs to be better educated and support. But it may not always be possible or feasible for a woman to breast-feed, or to do so for a prolonged period of time.
What is your view of breastfeeding in public, and why?
It’s not only good for mothers and babies, but for the culture at large. Public breast-feeding makes it more acceptable, and gives more women the courage to do it. Public breast-feeding also helps restore healthier attitudes about the body and breasts — which are not primarily meant to be sex objects. As to whether one should use a cover-up or not, I don’t really care. Some women are shy about exposing parts of their body in public that are normally covered, and some are not. My view is do what you’re comfortable with and don’t judge others.
What is your view of sustained breastfeeding, and why?

I’m a supporter, though I’ll admit that I find it odd to see a 4 or 5 year old nursing… probably because it’s so uncommon in our culture that it catches my eye. I’m also a trained counselor so my antennae go up… I can’t help but wonder if it’s actually about the child at that point. But as a rule, I don’t disagree with sustained breast-feeding. It’s a mother’s decision how long she thinks she should breast-feed her child.

What is your view of adoptive breastfeeding, and why?
I’m a big fan — what could be a better way to boost your child’s immune system and give him or her good nutrition, as well as foster bonding and attachment? Especially if a mother is already lactating, this seems like a no-brainer to me.
I don’t see this as a viable option for me, however. I’m a health nut and don’t believe I should take medications to artificially induce milk production for children I didn’t birth. Also, we’ll be adopting two children at once so I know I’ll already be pretty overwhelmed. Instead, if at least one of our children is under two, I plan to find healthy breast-milk from another woman. If I can’t make that happen, I’ll make a homemade formula using a recipe from the book, Nourishing Traditions.
Is there anything you find unique about your breastfeeding story with your children?
I’m sure it will be unique to be feeding my adopted children breast milk or making homemade formula for them. I don’t know any adopted parents who’ve done this. (Jamie being an exception.)
Is there anything you wish you did differently?
It will always make me sad that I haven’t breast-fed a child… I certainly would have wanted to.
Is there anything you would like to add?

Women can be really tough on each other, which is too bad. When it comes to breast-feeding, we should never assume we know a woman’s experience or circumstances.

Jamie
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