Is Anyone Cross-Nursing or “Shared Feeding”?
May 14, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding
Have you breastfed a nursling other than your own? Your sister’s baby or your friend’s? Cross-nursing, or “shared feeding,” continues to be a hot topic, and I have been contacted by a television producer for a major morning news outlet in the United States. Please email me if you are interested in being put in touch with her to discuss your experience.
Angela, Cross-breastfeeding is not uncommon in my community and is certainly not a big deal in my family where possibilities of marriage between the babies who are being nursed is not contemplated in future. I have regularly cross-nursed two babies of my co-wife and she did my three babies. I have also occasionally cross nursed babies of my two close friends, The point I wpould like to emphasize is that it is not always in emergency situations or “need” that cross nursing always takes place. I have also been doing it out of love and sentiments for my friends on a natural reciprocal basis. We have hardly come across problems like nipple confusion or refusal. When the babies are hungry with a little effort they settle down to nursing. Some problems might arise, however, if one is unfamiliar to babies who are above the age of a year or so.
One is welcome to correspond with me on a personal basis, for details etc.
Uzra
Hi Uzra,
I would love to talk with you more about your experiences with cross nursing.
You can contact me at annawild27@yahoo.com
Thanks,
Anna
Hi Anna,
I would love to excnge notes with you on cross nursing / shared nursing. Please mail me at
Uzra
HI UZRA
U R GREAT. PLS MAIL ME UR EXPERIENCE REGARDING SHARING UR FEED WITH FRIENDS
UR REALLY GREAT
PLS SEND ME EMAIL
Hello ladies!
This is a topic I am very interested in. Could I get your e-mails so that we can further discuss it? Thanks!
Paige,
You may contact me directly for any further discussion but I would first like to know some details about you and why are you articularly interested in this topic.
Uzra
A national parenting magazine and a national morning show are teaming up on a story about cross-nursing that will air later this month, and they’re looking for moms who would be interested in sharing their experiences on camera. If you are currently cross-nursing – breastfeeding a friend’s or relative’s baby – please email ttfmwcn@gmail.com with a short description of your cross-nursing experiences and a phone number where you can be reached by the producer of the segment. No travel would be required for the interview – a camera crew would visit your home to tape the piece.
I first nursed my nephew for a week when my sister was in the hospital and several times afterward. It is certainly no big deal.
I will be happy to share details with anybody planning to cross nurse or have a need to.
Melanie