Have you ever breastfed somebody else's baby?

[Hollywood]

Kind of a spin off after I saw a reply in another thread...
I have not breastfed somebody else's baby. I babysat my nephew once when he was under 6 months and I was still breastfeeding DS, and kind of thought it would be fun to try it. But in the end I chickened out and decided not to because I hadn't asked my sister and although she probably wouldn't have found out I still felt weird about it (plus, she had expressed plenty, so there was no need). If I was ever in an emergency situation and a baby needed feeding I would definitely do it though :goodvibes:

[sunnyflower]

No and I wouldn't unless it was an emergency and not unless the parents were aware , I think it's a bit creepy someone else trying to breast feed your child without your knowledge , i would feel really wierd about it.

[1CrazyMoose]

No I haven't but I don't think it would worry me to do so. I would love to donate ebm next time if I can :)

[BlissedOut]

No, I've never breast fed any baby, but my kids have both been breast fed by a family member on a few occasions, it was easier than going home to get more formula.

[bada]

No I haven't but I don't think I'd have a problem with it. I would never do it without the parents permission though unless it was an emergency.

[shinebrite]

I haven't but nearly did in an emergency. Ended up sorting itself out tho. I offered to feed my friends as they were having trouble with bub opening up wide and she had mastitis so suggested we swap but they decided to FF. I wish I could donate but my boobs are impossible to express!!! I can get like 5ml out! It's weird cause I have like at least 3 let downs a feed! (as in u can always hear dd gulping and gasping for air!)


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Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[Little-Pink-Hen]

I havnt but yes I would if it was needed and parents had given permission

When my brother was a bub my mum my Aunty were bf at the same time as my cousin was 6 months older than my brother. They were driving somewhere with mum driving and my brother started crying with out asking permission my Aunty started feeding my brother. Lol my mum said it shocked her so much as she hadnt asked first and probably felt a little weird as my Aunty was married to my dads brother so not blood related to mum or my brother
When I was born I had latching issues and when mum was still in hospital another new mum fed me so I could get colostrum :goodvibes: my poor mum didn't end up feeding me as I was such a naughty bub I wouldn't even latch on to the bottle :rolleyes:

[Etienne]

I never have, but I'm new to bf and only know one other person who bf. I definitely would in an emergency. It would be weird for me but I would prefer the baby have breastmilk if that's what it Is usually fed.

[Witwicky]

I haven't but I would, with the mothers permission.

Has anyone else seen the footage of Salma Hayek breastfeeding a hungry little bubba in an African orphanage? It made me cry, good on her.

[shinebrite]

Etienne, I see your in SA! Haha if you ever wanna break... Lols!


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Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[shinebrite]

My friends back 'home' were all feeding at the sake time and all said we were happy to feed if anyone wanted! Quite a nice gift I think! a little girly pact!


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Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[faroutbrusselsprout]

I haven't but I would, with the mothers permission.

Has anyone else seen the footage of Salma Hayek breastfeeding a hungry little bubba in an African orphanage? It made me cry, good on her.

Oh god that clip makes me absolutely bawl. Love it.
I haven't but would if a baby needed me.

[Boobycino]

I would but I haven't.

I'd be okay with my baby being breast fed by someone if my baby needed to be baby sat & refused a bottle.

I've been in the frustrating situation of having a baby in my care that had only ever even tried a bottle once prior (unsuccessfully!) & I had her for 6 hours. She got pretty peeved at me when I breast fed jasper. Though that actually helped her take the bottle a little was 'tandem feeding' holding jasper (18 months) & her (6months) and she saw him feeding & she finally took a little milk.

But I kept thinking how much easier it would have been to just breast feed her. But I didn't know her mum well enough to suggest/ask.

It wasn't too bad, I had her once a week and over the following weeks she got more onto solids & loved water from a straw cup so her not really taking a bottle for those 6 hours wasn't dire.

[SassyMummy]

I haven't, but I would... were it not for other women probably freaking out about it.

It'd be someting I'd not feel weird about doing...

BUT... I'm a bit of a hypocrite cos I'd probably feel weird if someone did it to my baby. lol.

[MilkiCuddles]

Has anyone else seen the footage of Salma Hayek breastfeeding a hungry little bubba in an African orphanage? It made me cry, good on her.

I just googled it, made me cry too, so beautiful!

Back on topic.... I have never breastfed anyone elses bub but have often imagined what it would be like. I would definitely do it in an emergency and would be fine with some one feeding DS.

I was sharing a small couch with another BF mum at daycare today and when we got up to switch sides so our babies heads wouldn't clink, we joked that it would be much easier just to swap babies :laughing:

[october]

I haven't but I would no problem

[Opinionated]

Yes.

My best friend went to hospital by ambulance and left her 6 week old baby with me, along with a brand new bottle and a tin of formula. It was 42 degrees that day. She was due for a feed 1/2 an hour after her mum left. I tried the bottle for two hours. I then got dh to take her out to his air conditioned car and he tried for over an hour before she fell asleep, without feeding. I tried ringing her mum, but the phone was off due to her being in hospital. She slept for about 45mins before waking and screaming. I got dh to attend to her and made up a fresh bottle. He tried for an hour before he said he couldn't take any more. I tried calling her mum but the phone was still off, and tried to bottlefeed for a further 1/2 an hour. By that stage, my bra was soaked as I had let down multiple times and both the baby and I were pretty distressed. I made the decision to feed her and just not tell her mum. Then peace fell over the house.

A few hours later, I fed her again as I just couldn't face trying to bottlefeed her. In between I fed my 12mo as well.

When my friend finally returned I was quite upset because I was sure she would be angry if I told her. However, I decided it was her child and I had to tell her the truth. She said that she did feel a bit funny about it, but she knew I hadn't taken the decision lightly and that given the heat and both of our distress levels she understood why. After we both sat and had a cold drink and it had sunk in, she said that given time to think about it, she was glad that she had left her baby with someone that was able to comfort her the way she needed and she also knew my health history so wasn't concerned.

That very stubborn 6 week old is now a very very stubborn 3.5yo who to this day usually gets what she wants. She never did end up taking a bottle despite many attempts, and went on to sippy cups of formula at 8months when her mum gave up breastfeeding. That day was the only time I have breastfed another person's baby, but I must say, doing it did not feel weird at all. In fact it felt right. The only thing that was weird was looking down to see dark hair instead of blonde.

[shinebrite]

I'd be terrible in a place like that! I'd be like, how many of you can I fit on?! How generous of her! Beautiful!


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Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

[wannaBamumma]

I haven't had to before but I would in a heartbeat if it was needed. I'm going to google that salma Hayek thing in the morning. I'll keep the tissues handy!

[threechooks]

I haven't but I would.

[bumMum]

Yes. It was fine. Not weird. He doesn't feed quite the same as my daughter. The latch is slightly more "pinchy".. But not painful or anything. Anyway I found it quite bonding in a way but not in a mother child way.. But it was lovely. He fell asleep on the boob like my daughter does he he.

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[headoverfeet]

I never have but DS2 has, not really out of necessity but out of curiosity a friend fed him while I was there :)

[SpecialPatrolGroup]

I haven't but I would do it for someone else if necessary. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I would not feel comfortable with someone else feeding my bub. Maybe it is a hangover from the creepy scene in The Hand That Rocks The Craddle where Rebecca de Mornay feeds someone elses baby so that the baby won't take the mothers breast.

[SPC]

I donate milk to family who need it, and I would happily breastfeed another baby, but haven't needed to.

[share a book]

I have, and would be ok for mine to be bf by someone else if need be. I know 2 others who have, and one who had a baby bf by someone else.

[Pesca77]

I haven't but I would do it for someone else if necessary. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I would not feel comfortable with someone else feeding my bub.

This ^^ I would do both in an emergency for someone close to me, but I've got to honest and say it would feel a little weird to me. Not sure why really :o

[J,K&L'sMum]

I haven't but I would do it for someone else if necessary. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I would not feel comfortable with someone else feeding my bub. Maybe it is a hangover from the creepy scene in The Hand That Rocks The Craddle where Rebecca de Mornay feeds someone elses baby so that the baby won't take the mothers breast.Omg! Yes This! I'd definitely feel weird if someone else tried to feed my baby... I don't know about feeding someone else's either (unless it were a true emergency)- I'd feel kind of like an imposter or something.However, I'd be happy using screened replacement breastmilk if need be :)

[duckduckgoose]

I'd have no issues feeding someone else's baby if the mum wanted me to. I *think* I'd be happy to have a friend of mine feed my baby if I needed them to.

[Rose&Aurelia]

yes I have fed another child and vice versa. My cousin-in-law has a son a few weeks younger than my DD and when we were down visiting family in Victoria (I was fully BF'ing and didnt take my Medela) I managed to get quite sick. But the meds I needed werent quite BFing safe so I asked her to feed DD for 2 feeds. Didnt honestly occur to me to ask her to express and then feed her (she had 2 under 2) so that I could take the meds and sleep the day/meds off.

No dramas at all. She just said that DD (then 4mths) thought her nipples were funny cos they were a different colour to mine and she kept playing with them.

When they visited us later one (our bubs were 1), they took their eldest to movie world and left their bub with us and asked me to feed. I checked if they would rather EBM or boob and she said that her DS2 doesnt take any bottles so it would have to be a boob. It was fine - but god did he bite! I tick off DD when she bites but felt bad to tick him off.

[MamaC]

I am a little embarrassed to admit that I would not feel comfortable with someone else feeding my bub. Maybe it is a hangover from the creepy scene in The Hand That Rocks The Craddle where Rebecca de Mornay feeds someone elses baby so that the baby won't take the mothers breast.

This. I'm not comfortable with it at all and TBH I'd rather my bubs had formula. I know that a lot of ppl wouldn't understand my way of thinking, but I'm not comfortable with the idea of another woman feeding my baby a bodily fluid :o

I think it's actually really lovely of so many of you to be open to the idea. It's a beautiful sentiment :goodvibes: I also saw that video of Salma Hayek and thought it was a really wonderful thing she did for a starving baby :yes:

[squishie]

I would totally do it and I reckon my sis in law and I may swap babies one day for curiosity lol they are 10 days apart in age :)

[sweetseven]

I haven't but would have no problem doing so ...

... but I would be unlikely to offer for fear of offending, as I would expect most people to think such a suggestion was really intrusive.

----------------

Conversely, if my bub needed the milk I would have no problems with another mother (whom I knew) feeding her, but would be unlikely to ask again due to risk of offending.

===============

So unless the other party was forthcoming with the suggestion, or we became mind-readers, it would be unlikely to eventuate.

---------------------------

I do remember an occasion long ago when I was hollidaying with two other couples. One of the others (who was very health conscious) was tandem breastfeeding her bub and toddler, and was constantly complaining about oversupply. I was stuggling to feed my bub and had to comp-feed due to undersupply. Our outing to the beach was delayed because I had to feed my bub, then make up a bottle for her comp-feed when I had nothing left in me. I felt so embarrassed delaying everyone and remember thinking it would be so much easier if the other mother (complaining of discomfort due to oversupply - even after her bub had finished) could finish off feeding my bub then it would be done much quicker than fussing with bottles. Conversely later in the evening, her bub swas taking a long time feeding and her toddler was getting impatient waiting for his turn. He kept distracting the baby making the situation worse. I tried to distract the toddler and keep him occupied to give mum&bub the space and time to feed, but remember thinking it would've been so much easier to keep him occupied if I had just fed him instead of trying to play games with him. He could smell my milk as was pulling at my clothes as well. (My bub had fed earlier and was already asleep for the night, so it wouldn't have been depriving my bub at all.)

But due to risk of offending the other mother, I did not suggest either in the above situations. (The second wasn't really appropriate anyway since their family was on a strict low-GI diet with which I wasn't complying.)

[Bluest Blue Box]

I'd do it for someone if they wanted me too and I'd be happy for a close friend/ family to feed DS if I couldn't.
I had the overwhelming urge to feed a friend's when she forgot formula but I would never offer if someone didn't ask me

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[trishalishous]

i have, and would be happy with my bub being fed by someone close.

[Waitingfordaisy]

I just watched that clip with those African orphans how beautiful!!!


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[BaronessM]

Subbing to remind myself to google the Salma Hayek clip. Sounds like such a diff aspect of a hollywood star...fabulous. Good on her, indeed.:):):)

[MichelleClareBear]

I would, only if I knew the person and baby very well and was comfortable with it.

However I would have a problem with someone else breastfeeding my child.

[Whoknows]

I read this and had to tell myself not to respond in case I offended anyone because I know how sensitive people are when it comes to breast feeding. In the end I couldn't help myself because as much as I tried to keep quiet I just want to scream 'please do not ever breast feed someone else baby without asking!'

If I found out someone else had breast fed my baby I would be beyond furious! And if they did it and tried to hide it then I would take extreme action I would be that angry and offended. How do I know you are healthy? How do I know you are not carrying a disease? These are other people's bodily fluids !! I am also sure that if you did this without permission It could constitute an offense such as assault - if a mother wanted to take it that far.

[MonsterMoosMum]

I would for others but tbh I don't think I'd be ok with mine bring fed by others :/ I know that probably sounds odd but I don't know how to explain it....


Me (21) DH (25) DS (4) DD (2)
Sent from a magical mobile bubhub device in a galaxy far far away

[Atropos]

I would but not without permission

[HLE]

I haven't but I would, with the mothers permission.

Has anyone else seen the footage of Salma Hayek breastfeeding a hungry little bubba in an African orphanage? It made me cry, good on her.

it made me cry, look at the bub's eye....

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[missie_mack]

I totally would if it was needed and I would hope that one of my friends could help out if my DD was distressed and I wasn't present :)

[Eko]

I would if it was an emergency but only if it was a close friend or family. I'd also mention it but take no offence if they said no because I could understand why it'd be a bit strange watching someone else feed your bub. But I certainly would NOT do it without asking!
But when I think about my sister feeding my bub (she's not had kids but if she did) it somehow seems right. I guess because it used to be the done thing for other lactating women in your family group to feed your bub.

[missie_mack]

In some ways I feel a bit sad about the way society has taught us to look at this. Wet nursing was a common and well paid career for women not so long ago, that often could be done with their own children being involved...

[risfaerie]

A lady that I work with told me about how she fed her sister's baby years ago when her sister was very unwell.

He sister was hospitalised with a serious illness, and was unable to feed her young bub due to medications or similar. My friend had a bub of a similar age, and an over supply. Formula was expensive (this was the 80's). My friend took over feeding the child for the duration of her sister's illness, while her sister kept up her own supply.

I thought this was a really great story. I was terrible at bf, it was a disaster no matter what I tried. But if I ever had another baby and found that I could feed well this time, and a close friend or family member was in need, I would like to think that I would do the same thing.

I certainly don't see anything wrong or inappropriate about it. I would view it in very positive light if I ever witnessed it.

[Waggers70]

I haven't but totally would. I'd have no problems with my baby being breastfed by someone else either. Historically wet nursing was extremely common and I think it's a pity that it's disappeared from modern culture - the promotion of formula pretty much killed it. I'm sure most tribal cultures would share breastfeeding along with child care and consider us to be backwards the way we isolate mother/baby.

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[Sonja]

For me it's that I see breastfeeding as more than just food for my baby - it's nourishment for the soul. It settles them when they're upset, it soothes them when they're teething, it quietens them when they're crying. I love nothing more than cuddling my babies when they're feeding, stroking their cheeks and eyebrows, and feeling like when all else fails (as it usually does) I can at least offer this comfort to them.

For me breastfeeding is a very intimate act between me and my babies - I breastfeed very happily anywhere anytime, but tend to switch off to the world around me when I do so.

I guess this is why I wouldn't find it all that comfortable to have another person breastfeed my baby - it's my job and a job I love dearly and protect fiercely.

I've never been in a position where it's been an issue so I can't say how I'd honestly feel if I was. I agree if I was in an orphanage and a starving baby needed it I'd gladly do anything to help.

[Twoalready]

No and I wouldn't unless it was an emergency and not unless the parents were aware , I think it's a bit creepy someone else trying to breast feed your child without your knowledge , i would feel really wierd about it.

This..

I'm all for it of it was an emergency and couldn't be avoided... But I would e absolutely ropable if someone b/fed my child without my knowledge absolutely ropable and would probably sue he pants off them. Nourishment or not if I have provided my own forms of feed expressed or formula whatever the case may be then you go against that and feed my child your bodily fluids that hey let's face it I don't know where you have been, what you have taken or ingested...

I will probably kill you where you stand.


~Isla Rohmaine arriving sept 2013 and a baby makes 3!

[missie_mack]

Nourishment or not if I have provided my own forms of feed expressed or formula whatever the case may be then you go against that and feed my child your bodily fluids that hey let's face it I don't know where you have been, what you have taken or ingested...

I will probably kill you where you stand.

I certainly appreciate how you feel and know lots of people feel this way.... but really do we know where the cow or goat has been and what it has done (or been done to it, more importantly) before it made the milk for infant formula?

Also recent research has shown that the risk of contracting via breastmilk is low, even with things like AIDS. Infact they have recently found that extended exclusive breastfeeding can prevent AIDS being transmitted- which is just amazing for people in countries where AIDS is common
Exclusive, Extended Breastfeeding Lowers Mother to Infant AIDS Risk (http://m.voanews.com/a/1643748.html)

Newly Discovered Breast Milk Antibodies Help Neutralize HIV (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm)

[schmetterling18]

I haven't had bf anyone else's child, but would do so if needed.

I had a friend attempt to bf my ds (with my full knowledge and support), he didn't take it to however. Ds was 8 months old and my milk supply was drying up due to stress. We were in a heat wave and he completely refused any type of liquid other than milk directly from my boob. Luckily I managed to get my supply back up but it was scary for a few days.

[thepouts]

I haven't but would with mums permission, or if it was an emergency.

I would not let anybody bf my bub unless it was a real emergency and I was uncontactable. I would also have to be close to the person and would NEVER let a random feed her. I would be to concerned about a disease being contracted and would prefer formula to be offered.

[thepouts]

Also recent research has shown that the risk of contracting via breastmilk is low, even with things like AIDS. ]

I wouldn't risk it...

[missie_mack]

Interesting :) You believe the risks of breastfeeding is greater than the risks of formula? I am not anti formula FWIW- both my kids have received varying degrees of it due to my issues but my preference would be for breastmilk always- mine firstly and someone else's secondly. Admittedly EBM is my main preference but if I needed it I wouldn't refuse milk from the breast. Formula is basically my last choice. There was a great article which was made into a thread recently about pesticides in infant formula...

[thepouts]

I haven't read the article you are referring to. But yes, the risks of somebody else's breast milk is not one i am willing to take.

[thepouts]

Interesting :) You believe the risks of breastfeeding is greater than the risks of formula?

I didn't say breastfeeding is a risk I said I wouldn't risk somebody else's breast milk being consumed by my baby.

[Little Crow]

I haven't read past the end of page 1 of all the replies. But i am surprised so many "feel weird" about it. Don't you all acknowledge that "breast is best"?

I have bf my sisters toddler and a friends newborn. My DD has been bf by my sister. And even though DS was exclusively FF, if we were somewhere without a bottle, i'd have been grateful if a friend offered.

I don't see any issue with it at all.

[happy wanderer]

Absolutely I would. If needed, I would not hesitate and if I needed it, I would not hesitate to ask.

Mind you, I am not of the opinion that breast is best because sometimes it isn't.

So I'd just go with the flow in this regard.

[oozzle]

I have in an emergency, I would do it again if the mother was OK with it or if there was just no alternative.

I don't think I'd like someone feeding my baby though. If it was an emergency, I guess I would just have to be OK with it..

[Msbecb]

I breastfed nephew once when he was 5 months old and I was still feeding my daughter who was nearly 2 1/2 at the time. And that was 12 years ago. I had already offered if he needed it I would give it and she was totally ok with it. He got hungry and I offered. He fed. He looked at me strangely but was happy to feed. Would I do this again. Of course I would.

In days gone by if someone couldn't feed then someone in the family could so did they were known as wet nurses. Also the rich had wet nurses as it was seen beneath them to breastfeed.

[Smyles]

In an emergency and with permission, absolutely.

I would do just about anything to console an upset/starving baby, breaks my heart hearing them cry.

[misskittyfantastico]

I've donated milk, so yes I've fed other babies. I'd have no issue with feeding another bub directly and would have no issue with someone feeding my children (though I did in the past - I just had this block about it, that it would somehow take away from our bond/breastfeeding relationship)

[MonkeySeeMonkeyDo]

no i haven't but absolutely i would if faced with a situation that called for it. I Will say tho, it might depend on how old the baby is. If a bub was say 2 or older i would feel very weird about it... But Would probably feed them anyway. Im fine with other people feeding dd, she wont take a bottle so if i were out of action id have no other choice but to call on my neighbour (she has offered in the past whdn dd bit me so much that i couldnt feed due to pain and bleeding... I Declined tho cos i didnt want her to be bitten aswell)

[Euphrosyne]

No, I would without hesitation if requested or needed though.

[wrena]

Both my SIL and I have fed each others babies when they were little. Personally, I would prefer another mother to breastfeed my child than to give them EBM because breastfeeding is no comforting and blissful for the baby that I'd like to know that they could have that comfort if I wasn't there. When I had to leave my DD when she was under 6 months, I was never stressed because I knew she was with someone who loved her and could give her everything she needed. Transfer of disease never really worried me, because for one I know my SIL well and her lifestyle and also straight after pregnancy a woman probably knows more about her health and disease status than at any other time in her life