Co-Nursing – Is It Safe for Your Baby?
In this Article
Not all mothers are lucky enough to lactate extensively and feed their babies after birth. Some women can experience an absence of lactation or their baby might refuse to feed on their breast. The intake of breastmilk is quite essential in the child’s infancy, and co-nursing can be an effective way of making that happen.
What Is Co-Nursing or Cross Nursing?
Co-nursing or even cross-nursing is defined as the activity when the child of one woman is nursed by another. This is generally undertaken in cases where the mother is unable to lactate properly or the baby refuses to feed at her breast but accepts another.
What Is the Risk Involved in Co-Breastfeeding?
When co-nursing somebody else’s child or giving your child to be nursed by a different woman, there are few risks that range from biological to even behavioral.
- Seeing a woman breastfeed another woman’s child could raise questions in the minds of his siblings and make things awkward at home.
- The child of the other woman might refrain from nursing anymore due to the presence of a new baby.
- The psyche of the nursing woman could prevent her from lactating enough when your child is attempting to feed.
- Your baby might end up drinking milk that is meant for an older baby or a younger baby, due to an age gap.
- The milk supply for the child of the nursing woman might be impacted at times.
- Any infection that the nursing mother or her baby has, might be passed on to your child.
Alternatives Methods of Feeding Your Baby
Knowing that cross nursing can expose your baby to certain risks that may be unforeseen at times, you might feel like going with certain alternatives, if possible. When facing problems with breastfeeding, women are generally recommended to opt for alternative methods in ensuring their child gets the necessary nutrition.
1. Breast Milk Bank Supply
There are certain banks that store breast milk from various women. You can get in touch with a similar bank and ask for a prescription of breast milk for your baby. This can ensure your little one gets the essential antibodies and nutrients from the milk, as well as receive milk from a healthy source, too.
2. Supplement Breastfeeding With Formula
You may be generating less milk than needed, leaving your baby hungry more often. It is best that you continue breastfeeding your child and supplement his hunger by using milk formula that suits him. This can prove to be a pretty good balance.
3. Feeding Breast Milk Via a Bottle
Maybe it is your job schedule or other aspects of your lifestyle that prevent you from feeding your baby in the usual way. Breast pumps and bottles are your friends. Pump the milk ahead and feed it later to your baby via a bottle.
Even after knowing that someone else can breastfeed my baby, women may not be fully comfortable with the idea. It is important to keep the baby’s health and safety in mind and make a decision accordingly.
Also Read: Ways to Store Breast Milk After Pumping
