Would You Nurse Another Mom's Baby?

[nathaliehanna]

Even though "breast is best", formula is definitly 2nd!

Actually, the World Health Organization lists formula as 4th best, not 2nd best.

The best is breastmilk straight from the source.
The second best is expressed milk.
The third best is breastmilk from another woman.
And the last resort is formula.

[kerryspafford]

#1 - My message was not hostile and I am sorry that my opinions pissed everyone off. However...

FYI - I am fully aware of the benefits of breast milk vs. formula. I was able to nurse my son exclusively for a few weeks and then had to switch to formula because my milk was not satisfying him. Anyone chastising my previous post needs to understand that some people do not have the capability to exclusively breast feed or maybe they just don't want to. Formula is an option, ya know. We are not killing our babies because we feed them formula, we are not stunting their growth, or causing them to grow a third eye. Myself and other "Formula Moms" would appreciate it if you "Nursers" could be a tad more understanding.

But the topic here is MILK SHARING - not which method is better. I don't think it's hygenic and I think it's trendy and a good way for clinics to make a fast buck. I don't know about you, but my insurance doesn't cover the cost of a weeks worth of pre-expressed & screened breast milk at the local Milk Bank and I highly doubt WIC would ever offer vouchers for the stuff. And yes, I still think donating blood is higher on the list of priorities than breast milk. I have never heard of babies dying from formula unless it was tainted or they had a SEVERE allergic reaction.

I am entitled to my opinion like the rest of you and I haven't given you crap because our opinions differ. I would expect you to do the same.

And last but not least - THANK YOU ROZYCOZY

[kerryspafford]

THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE.

Yet the majority of the medical community warns against it. "We support breastfeeding, but if you can't nurse, we recommend breast milk from a milk bank, or that you use formula," says Ari Brown, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and author of Baby 411. "Even if you have a good friend who wants to donate milk, you can't guarantee that it's free of infections, like HIV. Breast milk is a bodily fluid, just like blood. Would you be willing to give your baby a blood transfusion without first having it tested?"

[nathaliehanna]

#1 - My message was not hostile

Calling breastmilk "spit" is nice? And implying that those who believe that "breast is best" don't know what they're talking about is cordial?

Formula is an option, ya know. We are not killing our babies because we feed them formula, we are not stunting their growth, or causing them to grow a third eye. Myself and other "Formula Moms" would appreciate it if you "Nursers" could be a tad more understanding.

I said I used formula too. But that doesn't mean I don't realize the very real risks of it. And yes, babies DO die BECAUSE they are formula fed. Studies have been showing that for years and years. Formula feeding is a risk that some women have to take, or choose to take, or just want to take. No one condemns you for ff. Like I said, I DID IT TOO. But to write off the risks of it as though it's just as good as breastmilk isn't right.

But the topic here is MILK SHARING - not which method is better. I don't think it's hygenic and I think it's trendy and a good way for clinics to make a fast buck.

You specifically said you didn't get the whole MILK BANK thing, and breastmilk in milk banks are almost always hygienic because they are pasteurized. So the hygiene thing is not an issue for most using banks. Many hospitals across the US are even starting to use donated milk for preemies since their mother's milk hasn't come in yet. You'd better believe they are hygienic in those instances - and that milk DOES save those babies' lives.

[boobiepiebaby]

i have nurse 3 children including my own. they were close family and i found it to be awkward at first but in reality it was a sweet experience.
after i nursed on of the youngest, she went off to play and she came back up to me and patted me on the head. like we had a bonding loving experience. i'll never forget her peaceful happy face.
it takes some kind of woman to be able to not only give herself to her child but to also offer herself to others who need it.
i would do it again if it was asked of me, without a doubt.

[boobiepiebaby]

Just because it's pasteurized and homogenized doesn't change the fact that it's a cow's boob milk.

LOL. a very valid point.

[mommyama]

I know that banked milk is very expensive that is why I donate directally to the mom of the triplets. It is not pasturized or treated, and my medical background was checked again (even though i had just had a baby and everything including hiv tests came back negative) I even did 2 random U.A's to make sure.
I know how much less gassy and in pain that those babies are when they get my milk (their mom can't make enough for all three and mine suplements) and knowing that my milk helps them to grow and decreases pain is payment enough for this mom!!!

[kerryspafford]

Calling breastmilk "spit" is nice? And implying that those who believe that "breast is best" don't know what they're talking about is cordial?

Hostile, no, wise ass, yes. There's a BIG difference, lady.


No, I did not say breast milk was the same as spit. But it is a bodily fluid that in this case, you would happen to be sharing with someone else's kid. I just happen to think it's a tad skeevy. Why are you so offended? I know - guess what? I am about to give birth to my daughter and have been leaking GALLONS of colostrum and milk already - how 'bout if I hook the old breast pump up and send ya an ice cold cup, since you love it so much? Sound appetizing to you?



I said I used formula too. But that doesn't mean I don't realize the very real risks of it. And yes, babies DO die BECAUSE they are formula fed. Studies have been showing that for years and years. Formula feeding is a risk that some women have to take, or choose to take, or just want to take. No one condemns you for ff. Like I said, I DID IT TOO. But to write off the risks of it as though it's just as good as breastmilk isn't right.

You're right. Now I know why my kid walks backwards and has tentacles growing out of his ears. Thanks for clarifying that. You used formula too so I guess your kid(s) have that problem too? Just guessing, ya big hipocrite.



You specifically said you didn't get the whole MILK BANK thing, and breastmilk in milk banks are almost always hygienic because they are pasteurized. So the hygiene thing is not an issue for most using banks. Many hospitals across the US are even starting to use donated milk for preemies since their mother's milk hasn't come in yet. You'd better believe they are hygienic in those instances - and that milk DOES save those babies' lives.

I'm glad. Now will you stop trying to convert me? You are entitled to your own opinion, like I am entitled to mine, so please, shut up.

[nathaliehanna]

I am about to give birth to my daughter and have been leaking GALLONS of colostrum and milk already - how 'bout if I hook the old breast pump up and send ya an ice cold cup, since you love it so much? Sound appetizing to you?

???? Why not pump it for your daughter later so she can receive it herself?

You're right. Now I know why my kid walks backwards and has tentacles growing out of his ears. Thanks for clarifying that. You used formula too so I guess your kid(s) have that problem too? Just guessing, ya big hipocrite.

Wow. Why are you so angry?

I'm glad. Now will you stop trying to convert me? You are entitled to your own opinion, like I am entitled to mine, so please, shut up.

Actually, I'm not spouting opinions. And I'm not trying to convert you. It's all fact, it's true, and I'm sorry you can't handle it. But no, I don't like to shut up because lurkers here might like to know some of these things.

Thanks tho....

[Catwithwings]

I would, I would even like to help someone who can't or doesn't want to nurse. But I wouldn't want some other woman to nurse my baby except when in case of emergency (no formula and no me around).