Male lactation

erad76 · 08-05-2006, 01:23 AM

Oh, the strange places the internet will take you...

Has anyone ever heard of this before? I didn't see any posts on it when I searched.

http://unassistedchildbirth.com/misc...s/milkmen.html

http://www.switch.tv/videos/39

How do people feel about this?

AussieDoula · 08-05-2006, 02:05 AM

Yes I've heard of it before (some infant males have leaky nipples when they are born and sometimes for weeks afterwards - called "witches milk" or neonatal milk).

I think it's fantastic that a father could experience what it's like to breastfeed, and it says something about his dedication to even try to induce lactation in the first place.

Think of how beneficial this could be for homosexual parents who could nurse their own babies!

I'm too tired right now to think of a way to express my thoughts on this, but I am supportive of any man who chooses to breastfeed (but I will admit that I am somewhat pleased that it's rare - I like the strong female network that can be tapped through nursing... hmm, but then again, imagine what a close bond the family will have as a unit with both parents breastfeeding).

I wonder if it tastes any different?

susan1 · 08-05-2006, 05:28 AM

HAB.....I have heard of men lactating... i think it's great...don't see a lot of men doing this though...I know my husband would not do it. It would be weird. I for sure would not want breastfeeding taken away from me as a women..however if i could have not breastfeed ..it would be all great if my husband could.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieDoula

Think of how beneficial this could be for homosexual parents who could nurse their own babies!

That's is true.

The bad thing about a man breastfeeding is I cannot see people ever accepting a men breastfeeing when people can't even handle a women breastfeeding.

doulamomma · 08-05-2006, 06:44 AM

I've heard of it. Think it's pretty cool. ALthough I could never see my husband doing it, maybe if it was a life and death type situation- possible.

AmandaB · 08-05-2006, 09:45 AM

I was at a seminar with Jack Newman about women breastfeeding either adoptive children and the talk turned to men. He said yes with alot of work (the same aamount as an adoptive mother) ie: stimulating pregnancy with homones and then abruptly stopping the homones who cause most people to lactate. So from the mouth of an expert he confrimed that men could indeed breastfeed their children, albeit may not produce enough to fully satisfy the baby's hunger ... he said that even most adoptive mothers have to supplement one way or another.

doula Michele · 08-05-2006, 10:01 AM

Not sure its really something that I find appealing.I would be so turned off if it was my husband.
Michele

earthgirl · 08-05-2006, 10:21 AM

I imagine that people may not think it "natural", but wouldn't be so bothered because men's breasts aren't considered sexual objects like a womans! I can't see my husband agreeing to it either.

Tashina Marker · 08-05-2006, 01:06 PM

Sorry to say that it grossed me out! Well at least I was honest about how I feel.

doula Michele · 08-05-2006, 01:31 PM

I asked my husband and 18 year old daughter.... they were both revolted at the thought.
As i said before...not my thing either Tashina. Would be a total turn off for me, if i had a man who wanted to do that.

Michele

DL · 08-05-2006, 02:02 PM

I don't like the idea, either. I don't think that I could be very accepting of it; it just doesn't seem right to me. I'm just being honest, too.

RosyDoula · 08-05-2006, 05:02 PM

I wonder if the milk is of the same quality as female breastmilk? Men's "breast tissue" is not as developed, right?

MsDoula · 08-05-2006, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doula Lori

I don't like the idea, either. I don't think that I could be very accepting of it; it just doesn't seem right to me. I'm just being honest, too.

I actually agree with this. That would be taking away what is natural to women. Birth and breastfeeding are what mark our sex. Those abilities are what make me most proud of being a woman. It's part of my cunt power. Again, just stating an honest opinion.

Very good topic and kudos to everyone for being honest and good natured!

heathenmamaof5 · 08-05-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsDoula

I actually agree with this. That would be taking away what is natural to women. Birth and breastfeeding are what mark our sex. Those abilities are what make me most proud of being a woman. It's part of my cunt power. Again, just stating an honest opinion.

Very good topic and kudos to everyone for being honest and good natured!

It's part of our cunt power

I love it!!!

I, too, find it unnatural. All of our baby's tried to latch onto Daddy at some point in their infancy. They all kind of were like - bleh - his nipples are flat and he has hair. Unlike my huge soft non-hairy breasts that had tons of milk.

To each their own is what I say. I think I mentioned once before that in my LLL days a lot of us Leaders were getting this guy calling about male lactation. It was weird because we were never sure if he was serious or just playing us for kicks.

K-I'm done rambling...

MothertheMother · 08-05-2006, 10:23 PM

Ok, I finally watched that video...that baby is asleep...he/she is not nursing! At least the baby doesn't look like any baby I have ever seen nursing. I was watching very closely for the movement by the ear and there was nothing. I was really hoping to see some milk!

erad76 · 08-05-2006, 10:28 PM

I haved to admit I find it extremely weird. I guess if there were some reason why the mother was unable to breastfeed, it may be better than a straight formula diet, but there does seem something so unnatural (even if it can happen 'naturally').
I admit it, I believe in gender roles! I'm not saying that the whole world has to be divided into women's work and men's work; but there are certain things that each gender is better suited to do. On an individula basis, everyone is free to make their own choices, and I will not begrudge anyone that, but sometimes you have to question motives. Other than neccesity, why would a man want to breastfeed when there are other ways of bonding?