Becoming a Wetnurse... ?

[habitat]

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Edited by habitat - 2/7/12 at 9:05pm

[Italiamom]

On becoming a wet nurse vs. just simply donating milk regularly, I'd say some things would be:

-Setting expectations with the family you choose to work with.  How long are they wanting this service of you, vs. how long you'd like to offer it.

-Decide what you'd like your compensation to be, if any.

-Making sure you're willing to commit to the tribulations of breastfeeding.  If you'd actually be directly nursing the child, making sure you're prepared for the physical challenges that often come with that.  And if you'll be a dedicated pumper, making sure you're prepared to take on the responsibilities associated with nursing a child (watching alcohol intake, eating well, not taking medications, etc.).

As for where to advertise, I'm fairly certain that the sale of raw milk is prohibited in most places...  That said, Craigslist, any natural parenting groups, your tribal area on MDC, or any local adoption groups might be good places to start.

To me it seems like a very complex relationship to have with strangers.  Once money exchanges hands, it can change expectations for both parties, so I would make sure that you're very clear about what your requirements are for an arrangement like this.

Best of luck!

[D_McG]

Have you consulted a physician?  If you are lactating enough to support a child then I would rule out a pituitary tumor.  https://health.google.com/health/ref/Prolactinoma

[TiredX2]

Originally Posted by D_McG 

Have you consulted a physician?  If you are lactating enough to support a child then I would rule out a pituitary tumor.  https://health.google.com/health/ref/Prolactinoma

Please see a doctor!   According to your signature you don't hav children.  While relactating is not unknown, spontaneous lactation of a woman who doesn't have children (or who hasn't been pregnant) is a worrying sign.  Are you taking any medications that could possibly be causing this?

[LoriBelle]

I agree with previous posters.  Lactation in a woman who has never given birth, even if she is caring for a baby, is cause for concern...especially if the lactation wasn't brought about on purpose (as in an adoptive mother who wants to nurse her adoptive baby).  Only two things that I know of frequently cause this kind of lactation: one is an antipsychotic medication, and the other is a pituitary brain tumor called a prolactinoma.  While I think it's cool that you want to be generous with your milky bounty, I really think your first step should be seeking medical attention for your probable medical issue.  My friend Deanna had a prolactinoma, and they're very treatable, but it's bad to let them go unaddressed!

[Italiamom]

Whoa.  Totally missed the not yet a mother part!  Sweet mama, please get thee to a doctor!

[foreverinbluejeans]

To be a wetnurse you have to have a baby. Either your baby has to die or you nurse your baby and the other person's baby. I guess you could bottle feed your baby and nurse the other person's baby. For the milk to be right for the baby the baby would need to be about the same age as your baby. The family of the baby would expect you to be tested for diseases that could be transmitted.

There are psychological issues for everyone involved. Sometimes sisters or other relatives do this for each other or very close friends. Of course CPS can be called for any reason and if you were doing this for profit there could be legal problems. You could be in trouble for molesting the child or other charges.

[TiredX2]

OT:

Originally Posted by foreverinbluejeans 

To be a wetnurse you have to have a baby. Either your baby has to die or you nurse your baby and the other person's baby. I guess you could bottle feed your baby and nurse the other person's baby.

You could also continue nursing your own child while wet-nursing.  Just like tandemn nursing mothers, or mothers of multiples can have supply enough for two babies, so *could* a wetnurse.