Cross-Nursing

For any woman breastfeeding a baby, it is apparent at times that two moms would be much better than one for the sake of sanity. After reading a mention somewhere about how there were usually several lactating women in an extended family that could care for a baby, I had a thought. What if humans were supposed to cross nurse by design, and what if a component of our immunity was missing as a result?  Me being a crazy hippie, it was just an interesting thought.

The Le Leche League advises against cross-nursing for several reasons.  These include supply issues for the mother, disease concerns, and  psychological risks.  While they are things to keep in mind, I don't agree that cross-nursing should be struck out all together.  In exploring cross nursing, I was surprised that there were many women on the internet practicing it on a quick google search.  I wouldn't just run off and arrange for someone else to nurse my baby, but I was also thinking that wouldn't it be better for Lily if someone else nursed her while I was at work?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I haven't fully processed this idea yet. 

One women speaks of why she cross-nurses:

The benefits of co-nursing and milk-sharing are unending. What are the benefits of breastfeeding? Those are the benefits of co-nursing and milk-sharing. An added benefit is Community. Yes, I feel a great sense of pride in knowing I'm helping families who are dedicated to breastfeeding thrive. But, most importantly, I feel ever connected to my community knowing that if I were ever unable to nurse my baby there is a network of other mamas who would be there for me in my time of need. It's an indescribable feeling but one that drives me to continue to co-nurse and milk-share as much as possible.

From the Mommy Files: 

When Sarah is at work or running errands, Morgan steps in to breast-feed her best friend’s son. Morgan initially nursed her friend’s son when he was three months old. She was caring for him, and he was fussy and inconsolable. When she put him to her breast, he was immediately happy and relaxed. Sarah says she would be comfortable feeding Morgan’s son but when she has tried he refuses.