Would you bf a child who isn't yours?

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Further to that post about wet nursing, would you breast feed someone else's child?

I had this conversation with my sis and we both agreed that we would be happy to feed each others lo's and probably close friends lo's.

However, we wouldn't want anyone else feeding our lo's! Not sure if it is the eeewww factor, or control freaks in us!

What do you think?

I would, am about to start donating milk to the milk bank at the special care baby unit and think actually going up there and feeding them would be much nicer than expressing (obviously lots of the babies are being tube fed but you know what I mean). My mum and her friends all breastfed one anothers babies when needed, my mum says it one of the only ways she knows to win arguements with friend's adult children, apparently saying 'I breastfed you' tends to end any dispute!

i also donate milk to a milk bank and would feed a child if really needed but the thought doesn't appeal at least with expressing the milk to give it stays fairly impersonal. I know people who have refused ebm for their babies because they want to keep the bond of breastfeeding and breastmilk between mother and baby.

No...not sure..life or death, well of course, but not for fun! I don't love anyone else's child enough!

I think so can't decide it would depend on the circumstances

I would. I'm going away for a few days soon with a friend who's also still feeding her child (both of us extended bf-ers) and I was musing that we could swap bf-ing duties and give each other a night out...

(if you're reading this, you know who you are)

well, if I could BF I would but as I've never been able to BF my own I doubt it'd happen.

However, I don't think I would let someone else BF my baby.

I would have no problem feeding someone else's baby - but would find it difficult to let someone feed mine. I don't even like dh feeding her with expressed milk. I have a close bond with my lo and breastfeeding is part of that.

I probably would - depends on the situation though

I would have been fine. I've never really been bothered about my breasts as my boobs iyswim. I don't quite know how to articulate it...erm..they're just mammary glands. . If I could rock someone elses child, or change its nappy, I could give it some milk if it needed any. no biggie.

Someone else feeding mine, also fine. Better human milk than cow milk, imo.

LTH - that's not true. You gave it a good shot last time

I'd absolutely b/feed someone elses child. I'd be happy for someone to b/feed mine too. Dunno why anyone sees it as lesser to cows milk!!!!!

I spent xmas with my sister & bottle fed nephew. While he was crying & waiting for his bottle to be warmed, I did find myself thinking "Oh just give him here, I'll just give him some boob while he waits". I never dreamed of actually suggesting this, I thought she'd find me a bit weird!!

Anyway, in answer to your question, I think I would, but would feel odd about anyone else feeding my DS. I'd worry that he'd bite them

If LO was in some kind of danger or I was unable to feed him for some extreme reason, I would prefer my friend to feed him for me - but otherwise I'd prefer nobody did except me.
Possessive I suppose!

Message withdrawn

I would feed another baby or toddler if needed. Not sure anyone else would want to feed DS, but that never stops him from asking ! He's tried to latch onto other people enough.
Just asked DH and he looked confused and said that if a baby needs feeding and you have the wherewithall, you feed it. End of.

I probably would if need be

but I'd rather not, really

I don't much like bfding, though I'm convinced of the benefits and have done it/will do it with all mine for oooh ages.

Yes!

yes, think i prob would, in certain situations

I would definitly feed someone elses baby. If my lo was upset and hungry I'd want someone to feed her too.

No, never.

I'd also rather give formula than have someone else feed no matter how upset my lo was.

Have you lot read "The Grapes of Wrath" by any chance ?.

Starvation, American Depression, no food..........

Ah yes fizzbuzz. That's one of my mother's favourite Scenes from Literature.

Would anyone do that I wonder? (feeling queasy emoticon)

I''m only considering it in the context I live in where there is an alternative. For me bf is so personal.

yes.
no bother, as np says
I did have a pact with my friend if anything happened to either of us