There's no question that, by now, most women understand that breastfeeding is the best thing you can do for your baby, especially if you're able to do it exclusively for at least six months. Unfortunately, not every mom is able to do that. In fact, according to a recent study, most moms fail to meet their breastfeeding goals. The reasons vary, but I think it has a lot to do with how difficult it can be in a society that still doesn't fully support breastfeeding despite its obvious health benefits.
So what would happen if a new mom who, for whatever reason, is having trouble breastfeeding was able to pay another woman to do it for her?
Read more in ¿Qué más?: Why I'm happier than ever that I breastfed my children
I'm talking wet nurses. But not the kind you've heard about from centuries past; rather the modern day ones who basically are willing to move into your house for at least a year so they can breastfeed your baby if you can't.
In case you didn't know it, this is a growing trend–especially (and for obvious reasons) among the rich and famous. And while the medical profession and breast milk banks' advocates don't really support (or promote) the notion of wet nurses, they are the perfect solution for many women out there who would love to breastfeed their babies themselves, but are not capable of doing so.
While breastfeeding was not easy with my first child and I was able to do it exclusively only for the first three months, I honestly don't know if I'd been able to feel comfortable with the idea of my child latching on to another woman's breast. I'm sure there's absolutely nothing wrong with it when all the necessary health precautions are taken, but I feel like the times that I breastfed my children were so absolutely intimate, precious and loving, I'm not conviced I'd be okay with another woman bonding with my baby in that way.
Want to connect with other moms? Like us on Facebook!
Then again, it's easy for me to say that because, in the end, while it wasn't for as long as I wanted, I was able to breastfeed my daughter for about five months. I wonder if I would feel differently if I hadn't been able to breastfeed her at all?
What about you? Would you ever let another woman breastfeed your baby? Share your thoughts with us by leaving us a comment below.
Image via Mothering Touch/flickr
