I've just had a baby and my DM is lactating!

[MadRainbow]

So title kinda says it all, my baby is 3 weeks old and the other day my DM told me she'd started leaking colostrum. Not only that but this happened with my first born too. At the time she was on HRT and the doctors blamed it on that and she stopped it, she's not on it this time so it would seem to be a direct reaction to the birth of my baby.

I'm somewhat fascinated and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge or experience of this? I've had a look and can only find other forums, no scientific explaination so was hoping anyone in the medical profession could answer.

Would love to know if this is a common occourance at all

[WindowsSmindows]

It happened to my mother. Mid fifties first grandchild. Gp investigated but wasn't worried and said its quite common.
Maybe biologically protective for a time when women often died in childbirth. Baby would have a lactating woman who loved them ready to take on the mothering role and feed them.

[ICJump]

It’s unusual but not unheard of. If she doesn’t stimulate the supply it will disappear again. I have known a couple of grandmas who have put thier grandchild to the Breast in an emergency.

[Shutupanddance1]

I remember reading an article about a granny in ethiopia I think it was who’s daughter had died after childbirth and to feed her grandchild, kept putting her grandchild to her breast and managed to relactate and fed the baby herself - it’s incredible what our bodies can do in what it conceives as a time of need.

[MikeWyzowski]

That is fascinating! Wow for the human body!

[holiday101]

In my DH's culture it is the norm for the new mother to stay with her mother post birth and this is something that is considered normal (the dgm to produce milk).

I remember a story about a man in Sri Lanka whose wife died post birth and he started lactating!

[ohlittlepea]

Once you have breast fed you can relactate at any point in your life. Either spontaneously or by pitting some work in. I think it's because we are probably designed to feed babies as a group...which is not culturally accepted now but would make sense.

[Phillipa12]

Happened to my friends mum, dr was unsurprised!

[Skittlesandbeer]

Eek gad, I learned something today for sure!

Nice to be able to look at it as a quirky human science thing. My DM would have given anything to have this happen to her, so she could have had one more way to step between my newborn and me! Makes me shudder!

[MadRainbow]

Thank you all for your replies, it tallies up with what I found elsewhere. @holiday101 may I ask where your DH comes from? I know Britain has a funny view on BF at times so it would be nice to know where this is considered normal.

I'm lucky enough to have a fantastic relationship with my DM so this doesn't upset me - if anything it's wonderful that she feels so deeply about my babies that her body responds like this.

@Skittlesandbeer on one forum I read this it was a MIL that started lactating and the poor poster was more than a bit grossed out. I can definitely see how it could be an issue to some people.

[Ledkr]

Not the same but I have pmt and period pains when dd does. Not too weird but I have had my ovaries out and am on HRT

[FartnissEverbeans]

That is amazing. I actually saw a photo of a Vietnamese grandmother bf quite recently - and once read a really weird story about a man who had a phantom pregnancy and leaked

[IlikemyTeahot]

This happens to me when I hold newborn/ young babies...its so embarrassing once even showed thru my top.
(Funnily enough I couldn't manage to breastfeed my first, he just wouldn't take to it)
Its been happening since my second DC (now 9) was born but mostly just that 'let down' feeling.
Since DC3 it actually leaks out when other babies nearby cry, but only if I've previously had a cuddle/headsniff not just any baby on the bus lol.