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Original poster

Breastfeeding a stranger’s child

233 replies

grou · 07/11/2024 00:29

I was recently told of a friend’s friend who under very specific circumstances was compelled to breastfeed a complete stranger’s baby. I find the concept quite disturbing. Think remote, small airport. One rug shop for duty free. But then again a starving baby is a starving baby.

As far as I am aware there were really no alternative options available.

OP posts:
Jadebanditchillipepper · 07/11/2024 00:41

I also donated litres and litres of breastmilk through two children. I was really disappointed when nobody wanted my milk post third child (different area). It's so important for premature babies whose Mums maybe too sick to produce enough breastmilk.

I also don't see a problem with feeding a child directly in urgent circumstances. Maybe in less urgent circumstances, expressed milk could be used instead.

Thatcastlethere · 07/11/2024 00:41

Why is it disturbing?
More disturbing we drink cows milk tbh..
At least human milk is meant for human babies..
I don't find it disturbing abd would happily do it if needed. And I would be very grateful to anyone who did that for my baby in a situation where it was necessary

BehindTheSequinsandStilettos · 07/11/2024 00:40

I breastfed for 9 years in total (3DC x 3 years each) - the let down reflex was quick with all newborn cries not just my guzzling lot, so I can well imagine being a "wet nurse" if it was required. I think Salma Hayek did it once for a stranger's baby. It wouldn't bother me at all, as long as the birth mum was okay with it.

MadamNoo · 07/11/2024 00:38

You probably shouldn’t read The Grapes of Wrath

BeardieWeirdie · 07/11/2024 00:38

I donated over 50L to the milk bank (super boobs!) and would have gladly have fed another mother’s baby if needed - and let’s face it, she wouldn’t have asked were she not desperate. Not the same situation but I remember being unexpectedly stuck somewhere once with no option of getting any food and feeling helpless with a crying, hungry toddler. I profoundly grateful to another mother who happily gave me some snacks she had with her.

Original poster
grou · 07/11/2024 00:35

I just find the idea of it really unpleasant, curious if it’s just me. I assume I would do the same if a child was hungry and there really was nothing else to be done. But the idea of doing that is disturbing like I said

OP posts:
Tigertigertigertiger · 07/11/2024 00:34

I think it's pretty beautiful actually

Singleandproud · 07/11/2024 00:32

Was completely normal once upon a time, if there was no alternative and the mum didn't have any blood related diseases which if I remember rightly you are tested for in pregnancy, then it's only our internal 'ick' factor that is the issue.

In some countries new mother bf live stock too