Can the adopted baby have problems that affect breastfeeding?
A. Just as in breastfeeding homemade babies, adopted babies can have suckling problems such as weak or poorly coordinated suckling, cleft lip/palate, Down Syndrome and other facial anomalies, cerebral palsy and dystrophic disorders. Some infants may have communicable infection such as hepatitis B, herpes, and aids, which would make it inadvisable to breastfeed. Some infants may have an illness resulting in weak suckling. Infants have been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, rare lung disorder and cardiac problems, all of which required very high calorie intake as well. Ear infection and thrush can make suckling painful for Baby. Sinus problems can make breathing difficult during suckling. All these situations require specialized support and guidance from the infant’s physician as well as the lactation consultant.
