Alpha Parent question-nursing another person's baby...

caden1206 · March 2013

I am not trying to start a debate, just a little comment. On FB the Alpha Parent posed a question about would you nurse another person's baby/or have them nurse your baby. Out of almost 40 comments I was the first person to discuss medications and disease transfer via breast milk. Everyone is mostly saying they would breastfeed another baby and or have someone breastfeed theirs. Am I really in the minority? The only set of boobs my daughter is going to see until she gets her own are mine. I also hate the comments about I live clean. Ya, well I know a girl that is one of the most organic and holistic people out there and I also know she smokes a lot of weed. I wouldn't want my baby getting any of that (or the pesticides the weed farmer probably sprayed on it, gasp).

GoMaltby18 · March 2013

Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.

Lolalipsy · March 2013

I'm a bit hypocritical on this one. I would nurse someone else's baby but I'd feel uneasy about someone else nursing mine. However I know in Belfast a lot of nursing mothers donate breast milk for newborns whose own mother's milk hasn't come in yet. This has been screened etc so I would be fine with this. It's the boob and the risks that irks me I think.

botanicalbliss · March 2013

GoMaltby18:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.

I agree. I would have less trouble feeding someones baby than having them feed mine. However, if I knew them and/or knew that they were not going to pass a disease or some harmful medication through to my kid, that would be OK in an emergency.

aanchor · March 2013

GoMaltby18:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.

aanchor · March 2013

GoMaltby18:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.

This and also I know a lot of people who donate and have used donor milk. I know it isn't the exact same thing but it is an amazing service for people who need it.

caden1206 · March 2013

Lolalipsy:
I'm a bit hypocritical on this one. I would nurse someone else's baby but I'd feel uneasy about someone else nursing mine. However I know in Belfast a lot of nursing mothers donate breast milk for newborns whose own mother's milk hasn't come in yet. This has been screened etc so I would be fine with this. It's the boob and the risks that irks me I think.

OH ya, I have zero problem going through a bank. I also would be more likely to give breast milk to another person's baby if necessary, but not my baby. Formula to me is a better choice.

TradeMama · March 2013

I would never ever ever let anyone nurse my baby. If I had to use someone else's breast milk it would be screened, treated and from a bank. I knew someone who swapped breast milk with people and even though she said she was healthy and clean, she drank and ate foods I don't consider safe. I'd never risk it.

surpriseaddition · March 2013

I have three sisters, and maybe, if one of them had some medical condition where they couldn't BF, and the baby really needed the breast milk (due to being born premature or something) I would consider nursing my niece/nephew. But, that would be absolutely it. I would consider donating milk to a bank too, but I haven't because they are really picky about any medications. I have really bad allergies and even taking allergy medicine makes you ineligible to donate...even though my own kids get my "tainted" milk and my pediatrician has no issue with it. I would never just nurse a friend's baby....that's weird. I would never allow my child to nurse from another woman....I'd go to formula first.

blush64 · March 2013

botanicalbliss:

GoMaltby18:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.

I agree. I would have less trouble feeding someones baby than having them feed mine. However, if I knew them and/or knew that they were not going to pass a disease or some harmful medication through to my kid, that would be OK in an emergency.

All of this. EDIT I am assuming this is in a situation where there is the option of breastfeeding or not eating. In an emergency with no option then if it's a close relative or friend I would feel less awkward.

OldGlory · March 2013

2010Bride2be:
botanicalbliss:
GoMaltby18:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I would say yes. I would assume, though, that we are talking about in an emergency and it was the only way they could eat or something. Would I just randomly feed a friend's baby otherwise? Um, no.
I agree. I would have less trouble feeding someones baby than having them feed mine. However, if I knew them and/or knew that they were not going to pass a disease or some harmful medication through to my kid, that would be OK in an emergency.
This.

Agreed.

Brooky11209 · March 2013

I would never let anyone nurse my child and I would never be able to nurse a child but mine. I'm fine with being in the minority of we are hahaha

bananers · March 2013

Are we talking zombie apocalypse or just because?

jerseygirl81 · March 2013

There's actually a whole national network set up for milk sharing called Eats on Feets. Most recipients opt to have their donors screened for a variety of illnesses, etc. I donated through a milk bank, but i know women IRL who donate to that group. Hospitals charge up to 50 bucks an ounce for donated milk in the NICU. Really gives a whole new spin to the idea of it being "liquid gold."

caden1206 · March 2013

bananers:
Are we talking zombie apocalypse or just because?

The question just said nurse. No mention of emergency or apicalypse.

lumosmaxima · March 2013

bananers:
Are we talking zombie apocalypse or just because?

HA I was JUST about to type this. I mean if we have a lil ass-kicker situation like in Walking Dead and there just happens to be someone lactating and I just happened to have been eaten by a zombie (sorry Lori)...

bananers · March 2013

ChicagoSummer:
bananers:
Are we talking zombie apocalypse or just because?
HA I was JUST about to type this. I mean if we have a lil ass-kicker situation like in Walking Dead and there just happens to be someone lactating and I just happened to have been eaten by a zombie (sorry Lori)...

I love you. That is all.

BrittKav · March 2013

Yes, I would. I've donated BM directly to women who couldn't produce enough for their own babies, and if I were in their position I also would look into using donor milk to feed my baby.

ippichic · March 2013

Very interesting question...

Although the weirdness factor is undeniable, wet nurses were very common back in the day, even in the US as recent as the 1800's, It was also a sign of status and wealth in Europe to be able to have your baby nursed by a wet nurse a century or two ago.

And in other cultures around the world where living conditions are more primitive, it is very common for women in third world villages for example to assist each other when a new mother cannot produce milk. Polygamous families where the women are having babies simultaneously, will nurse each others' babies, if there is a reason to do so.

Hygiene & disease factors aside, I don't think it would throw me off that much, especially in a situation where there weren't other options available. I wouldn't just want to "try it" if there were no compelling reason to do so..., but it wouldn't freak me out, either...

stkmw02 · March 2013

Personally, I would have no problem donating to a bank (although I am ineligible due to medical issues) or nursing a baby if a close friend or family member requested my assistance in an emergency.

If I have difficulty breast feeding, we'll most likely use formula due to the cost of banked breast milk. I don't think I would ask a friend or family member to share their milk or directly nurse my child... but I suppose I would consider it if they offered?

One of my close friends is a nanny. She has two children of her own that she BFs. One of her clients asked her how she would feel about BFing the children she nannies. So, instead of the mom pumping and using bottles... my friend BFs her baby as well and the mom BFs when she isn't working. It sounded really weird to me at first, but apparently the woman's older child quickly refused her breast after bottles were introduced. So, I guess I can understand it?

Also. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, my brother has already suggested substituting my milk with animal milk (should I be devoured or turned). Apparently, he has even done the research to prove that this would be a safe and viable option. He has also asked that, in the event we find an orphaned baby, I would nurse it for the good of our species. This is why my brother is our selected Godfather. lol

SarahC99 · March 2013

I donated to a friend that adopted a newborn. I would happily donate extra stores when I have them, but I never had too much because I only pumped if I was traveling or away from my child. It would be awkward to nurse another baby directly knowing the bonding it involves, but if it was a close family or friend, I would consider it, especially if there was a specific emergency like the mother had to be hospitalized or something and the baby wouldn't take a bottle. I think I would also accept a friend's expressed BM if I felt comfortable with their lifestyle.

Blueyed228 · March 2013

I would donate milk but never nurse another child .

I dont see the need too.

Unless its the zombie apocalypse . Then sure.

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