Co-nursing
Have you ever wished for an extra set of boobs to help you out during those late-night feedings? Co-nursing is precisely what it looks like: two mothers, either biological or adopted, breastfeed their child. Co-nursing, also known as cross-nursing, is a practice in which one woman’s child is cared for by another. This is usually done when the woman cannot adequately milk or when the infant refuses to feed at her breast but will accept another.
What are the risks of co-breastfeeding?
When co-nursing another woman’s child or allowing your child to be nursed by another woman, there are a number of hazards to consider, ranging from biological to behavioral.
- Seeing a lady nursing another woman’s child may generate questions in his siblings’ thoughts and create unpleasant situations at home.
- Given the presence of a newborn child, the child of the other woman’s child may stop nursing.
- When your child is trying to feed, the nursing mother’s mentality may limit her from lactating adequately.
- Because of the age difference, your baby may end up ingesting milk meant for an older or younger infant.
- The milk flow for the nursing mother’s kid may be affected at times.
- Any infection carried by the breastfeeding mother or her child could spread to your baby.
Benefits and Challenges of Induced Lactation
- More time with the baby is always a benefit, and being able to breastfeed and effectively participate in feedings means more face-to-face time for the non-gestational mother.
- Any relationship should have a shared set of obligations. Being so involved in the care of the newborn can be beneficial for both women, especially in the early days and weeks when sleep is scarce, and there is so much to do and remember. Breastfeeding can take a long time, so plan and be patient with yourself if everything doesn’t go according to expected.
- More milk, please! One or both mothers may be able to pump and preserve an abundance of milk in the fridge or freezer when both are producing milk.
- Even if the mother who is inducing lactation has problems maintaining her flow, she can still nurse her infant for comfort.
Remember that this is only one option; there are several methods for non-gestational parents to bond with their children. If you think co-nursing is suitable for your family, talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist. They can assist you in developing a strategy and ensuring that both mothers are healthy and ready to take on this unique adventure.
Alternatives Methods of Feeding Your Child
Realizing that cross-nursing can introduce your kid to certain risks that are sometimes unforeseeable, you may want to consider other options if available. For example, when nursing complications arise, moms are often advised to seek alternative methods to ensure their kid receives the nutrition they require.
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Feeding Breast Milk Via a Bottle
Perhaps your work schedule or other parts of your lifestyle prevent you from traditionally feeding your kid. Your buddies are breast pumps and bottles. Pump the milk ahead of time and give it to your baby in a bottle later.
Even after learning that my kid can be breastfed by someone else, some moms may feel uncomfortable with the concept. It’s critical to consider the baby’s health and safety before deciding.
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Breast Milk Bank supply
Breast milk banks preserve breast milk from a variety of women. You can contact a comparable bank and request a prescription for your baby’s breast milk. This will ensure that your child receives the necessary nutrients and antibodies milk and milk from a healthy source.
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Supplement Breastfeeding with Formula
You may be producing less milk than necessary, leaving your baby hungry more frequently. It is preferable if you continue to breastfeed your baby and supplement his nutrition with a milk formula that is appropriate for him.