Wet-nursing is a valid choice for new mums

Published on Monday 8 September 2008 10:15

BREAST-FEEDING is still a subject which, despite being one of the most natural in the world, causes controversy. So when TV presenter Kate Garraway posed for photographs appearing to breast-feed a calf, it was always going to cause a bit of a storm.

The star, a mother who breast-fed herself, admits the picture was designed to provoke debate – in this case ahead of a documentary she is fronting on the subject. There is also a point to be made in that we see cow's milk, via formula, as acceptable for babies but many people find the idea of a woman other than the mother breast-feeding a baby distinctly odd.

At the National Childbirth Trust our position is to support women in the feeding choices they make, whether that is to breast-feed, formula feed or mix the two. We also promote breast-feeding and this includes wet-nursing or cross-feeding – as the practice of breast-feeding another woman's baby is known – or the use of milk banks.

Wet-nursing isn't common in the UK but some women do informally feed other women's babies. It does make some people feel uncomfortable

but there is no legal reason why women who wish to cross-feed or use a wet-nurse cannot do so.

A mother whose baby is latching on well and who is breast-feeding responsively will generally be able to produce enough milk to nourish two or more babies. The NCT believes that wet-nursing can be a way for women who, for whatever reason, do not breast-feed their babies to give them breast milk. Research has shown that breast milk protects from infections and diseases and promotes growth.

Another opportunity for babies to have another mother's milk is through human milk banks. A number of milk banks operate in the UK. However, the milk donated to them is exclusively for premature or sick babies.

NCT has called for a network of milk banks in the UK so every baby without access to their own mother's milk can benefit.

To discuss breast-feeding or related matters, call NCT on 0300-330 0771.

Kathy McGlew is an NCT breast-feeding counsellor for the charity's Edinburgh branch