Those early in the stages of educating themselves on adoption and the myriad of related topics are often surprised to learn that breastfeeding is an option for adoptive mothers ... and fathers, too, but we're not going there today, as my personal bounty of the milk of human kindness, fully understanding the reaction that the very thought can raise in some folks, stays my fingers and keeps me from bringing that up again.

Faith, on the Hoping to Adopt Blog has written extensively about adoptive breastfeeding, and her experience starting here and continuing for eight additional information-packed posts.

Although I don't know for certain, I suspect, however, that Faith doesn't qualify to wear an older parent tiara, so some readers might assume that there's an age limit on adoptive mothers breastfeeding.

Those of us who've crossed the line between youngster and geezer ... that line possibly being marked by the onset of menopause ... may think we've lost all chance at the wonderful experience of breastfeeding a child, but that is not the case.

Not only does a woman not have to give birth to a child to produce breast milk, she can still manage to make her own milk even after she's all the way over the menopause fence and well established in that pasture where hormones fear to tread.

Yes, believe it or don't, these chestal appendages of ours continue to be good for something other than buoyancy aides and ogling for a longer time than many would suspect, some into their 80s, with no change in the milk we make. (Apparently, many wet nurses have continued to provide service well after menopause, but I can't imagine too much custom for an 80-year-old wet nurse. That sounds ... well, cruel ... among other things.)

The Le Leche League has loads of information on how adoptive moms can stimulate milk production, even older moms and moms adopting older children.

Although old boobs can manufacture the same flavor of milk that comes from young ones, there may be some differences that should be considered.

See the next post to learn more.