Is wet nursing still a thing?

[herroyalvagesty]

And can you make money doing it? I'm poor, and I have boobs that make milk.

[franklymydear]

I think wet nursing might be illegal but I know you can sell your milk... My friend did it. It was to some guy whose wife had died and he wanted his baby to have breastmilk. I think there are websites but I believe you have to mail quite a bit of milk at a time, like 100 oz.

[jfresh]

I donated 300 oz of milk when I was pumping for DS. The babies in the NICU needed that milk. After not being able to pick up my child, let alone try to nurse, for weeks, I really appreciate any mother that donates their milk.

[Deleted]

The consensus is that selling breastmilk is illegal, or at least a very bad idea. It's considered a replenishable fluid and thus not covered by laws about selling bodily materials.

Some people sell it on the internet, it may go to body builders, those with weird sex fantasies or those who want it as a health boost, esp colostrum.

More than likely trying to sell breastmilk will bring you into possible contact with at least one pervert.

Wet nursing is pretty much out of favor in 1st world nations. I know moms who have babysat a friends baby and nursed them when they refused a bottle, but that needs to be among good friends I'd think.

Interestingly enough when I was nursing my first son (dating myself, he's 18) my father was a strong supporter of my nursing as he was nursed and had a wet nurse when his moms worked. Of course I cannot either prove or disprove that as he died about 10 years ago at the age of 70.

JFresh mentions donation. You can donate to a milk bank, look for a non-profit designation so they aren't making a lot of money on your milk. They'll usually want medical testing done, and a certain quantity donated at a time. You can also check out mother to mother milk donation at eats on feets and milk share and a few other places online. again you may have a request for a copy of your mecial testing from pregnancy, and they may repay you for the cost of your milk storage bags or transportation of frozen milk.

[mishkaroni]

Jan 16, 2015 22:09:52 GMT -5 jfresh said:

I donated 300 oz of milk when I was pumping for DS. The babies in the NICU needed that milk. After not being able to pick up my child, let alone try to nurse, for weeks, I really appreciate any mother that donates their milk.

What a beautiful thing you did. My friend, a twin mom, had so much milk that before she quit pumping, she donated over 21 gallons to HM4HB. Not to mention giving milk to her niece before her sisters came in. I'm in awe of those who can. I barely make enough for my babe.

[theresat858]

Amyg is here!!!! Yay!!!!

[Sparkly]

I too believe in and recommend donation. I thought selling it was illegal, but I guess not. I personally wouldn't do it. I am proud to have donated 600oz. to 3 different moms/babies and would still be doing it if my supply hadn't dropped in the last month or so.

[flcl]

Agree with the PPs who've recommended donation. I just donated 400oz and hope to donate more depending on my supply. I used a HMBANA milk bank. It may not be what you're looking for but I had a really good experience working with the association. For more info: www.hmbana.org or kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/milk-bank-faq/