My wife had a full hysterectomy about a year ago. We are now about to adopt a newborn and would like to know if there is any way that my wife can breastfeed.

--Daniel

Congratulations on the upcoming adoption! Yes, your wife may be able to breastfeed. About 50 percent of women who adopt and attempt breastfeeding are successful. It requires preparation well in advance of baby's arrival.

First, contact your local chapter of La Leche League for information, advice and support. Second, your wife should rent a breast pump and begin to pump every one to three hours. (Vigorous stimulation of the nipples every one to three hours is another option.) Third, she should take chlorpromazine; this medication is a tranquilizer and must be prescribed by a doctor. The usual dose is 25 mg three times a day.

It takes several weeks of breast stimulation and chlorpromazine for milk production to begin, so ideally this regimen should be started a couple of months ahead.