Post-Institutionalized Adopted Children Who Seek Breastfeeding from their New Mothers

Reports of 32 adopted children who sought breastfeeding from their mothers
are presented. Children were 8 months to 12 years at placement and sought breastfeeding from the day of
placement to several years after. Some children suckled only a few times whereas others breastfed frequently
over a protracted period. Suckling was comforting to children and assisted some in expressing grief over birth
mother loss. Mothers felt that breastfeeding assisted in attachment development. It is proposed that the reason
why children desired breastfeeding is associated with their first maternal relationship. Children may be seeking
breastfeeding as a conditioned response to stimuli provided by the adoptive mother, have memories of
breastfeeding or the mother child relationship, or be exhibiting regression in response to stress. Suckling at the
breast could provide comfort and stress relief to the child and promote maternal responsiveness. The frequency
of adopted children seeking breastfeeding is unknown however adoption professionals should advise adoption
applicants of the possibility. It may also be appropriate for adoptive mothers to pursue breastfeeding in the
event that the child does not. KEY WORDS: Adoption, attachment, breastfeeding, institutionalisation, memory.