My friend and I that I work with were both pregnant at the same time. My baby is on formula ( I breast fed with the last child and it was too painful) and she is breast feeding. During the day when she is away from her baby she uses a breast pump and throws away the milk. She doesn't need it. Anyway so she offered it to me for my baby. She eats way healthier than I do and I think I should try it. Give me some feedback please.
2007-05-01 16:29:53 · 16 answers · asked by Blaire S 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Wow. Reading some of these answers reminded me how hard the formula companies worked to make us think that bottles of formula are sterile, and that milk from our bodies is not. On the contrary, breastmilk IS sterile, formula is not, and your friend's milk is far healthier than formula. If any kind soul offers you milk, take it! And to answer a question above, yes I would prefer to drink human milk over formula. Have you ever tasted the two? Milk is far better!
2007-05-01 16:45:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should talk to your doctor about this. A womans breast milk is designed to meet the nutrient needs of her child so I feel that her milk is specially designed to do that for her child. I cannot imagine that this milk is bad for the baby because of the nutrients that are present within it. On the other hand I believe that breast milk is naturally sweeter than formula, and babies are attracted to it for that reason, so what will you do when you are unable to provide this to your baby regularly? The baby will want this over the formula and if you decide to attempt to give the baby your milk in place of hers, the baby will not nurse becasue it has become accustomed to the smell, and taste of her milk which will definitely differ from your milk. You could end up with a very unhappy baby in the long run.
2007-05-01 23:37:49 · answer #2 · answered by midgee81 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well, it would be better for your baby. I say go for it, but your reasons for not breastfeeding are a bit selfish. That is a very generous friend who will give you milk even though you could make it yourself.
What you really need to do is overcome your pain and get your baby back to the breast.
If it hurt the last time, it was most likely due to a bad latch, or thrush. Both problems are easy to fix. Why don't you go to some LeLeche League meetings or see a lactation consultant too. They can show you how to use a Supplemental Feeding System or Lact-Aid using your donated milk.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/relactation.html
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/decrease-formula.html
http://www.drjen4kids.com/soap%20box/what%27s%20missing%20in%20formula.htm
2007-05-01 23:38:58 · answer #3 · answered by Terrible Threes 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Thre would be no problem with this. In times past, when a woman could not breast-feed her own baby, she hired what was known as a "wet nurse". Some women were able to keep lactating for long periods, and could hire themselves out to earn extra money.
2007-05-01 23:43:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am no doctor, but wet nursing was a common practice back in the eighteen hundreds. As long as your friend is very healthy, and your baby likes the milk, I see no harm in it, however, someone else may find this very weird in this day and age.
2007-05-02 00:11:09 · answer #5 · answered by trhwsh 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I'd go for it. I breast fed my daughter and I know how important it is... I know there can be some concern about potential diseases and whatnot, but if you know her really well and even know a bit of her medical history and feel comfortable with it, I'd go for it. Just use the milk up within a day or so... it'll go bad after a bit. Or you can freeze it. It's supposed to be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Goodluck!
2007-05-01 23:35:37 · answer #6 · answered by Sakmeht 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Definately! Milk is milk, as long as she's not doing anything harmful I would use it. I have breastfed many babies when their mom's were gone (yes the mom's knew!). It's not a bit weird. It's free, and way better for your baby! My sister is adopting a baby and she's pumping to get her milk back, but I've also frozen some of my milk for her baby to have. Definately take it!!
2007-05-01 23:35:41 · answer #7 · answered by christianforChrist 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as your baby is thriving on formula I don't think you need to outsource breast milk. As dear as your friend is to you, can you really be absolutely certain that she has safe milk to drink. She may lead a healthy lifestyle, but that does not necessarily mean she is free of diseases that she may not even be aware of. If you do decide to use your friends milk I would suggest having it tested for things such as HIV, Hepatitis, etc. Breast milk is best, but formula fed babies grow up happy and healthy too.
2007-05-02 04:12:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
it isnt much different to having a wet nurse last century.
beofre you do though you need to be POSITIVE that she is healthy, doent have anything like hiv or other diseases, dont just take her word for it ask for some proof.
also your baby might not like it, but as long as everything is ok and safe i dont see a problem, i think it was on oprah they spoke about a charity where mums express and it gets sent to children in 3rd world countries.
I think it is really nice of her to offer it to you.
2007-05-01 23:36:53 · answer #9 · answered by Dark Angel 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe that breastmilk is the best for the baby. I couldnt breastfeed my daughter because she was premature and I wasnt producing enough milk. I would have done anything to have been in your position then. I think you should give it a try. They do stuff like that with adopted babys.
2007-05-01 23:34:41 · answer #10 · answered by arismommy2007 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋