There has been much hype about the benefits of breastmilk for babies in recent years. In 2011, WHO released a statement recommending that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives to achieve optimal growth, development and health. In Singapore, most hospitals encourage new mothers to breastfeed their babies immediately upon birth and to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible.
As a result of healthcare agencies actively promoting the benefits of breastmilk, breastfeeding has become a must among new mothers. In fact, most aspire to breastfeed their babies for up to one year. While breastmilk is undoubtedly the best food for babies, excessively touting its benefits has put pressure on many women to breastfeed their child. Many press on even when they face difficulties. These mothers are usually also averse to the option of feeding their babies formula milk.
For a mother who has insufficient supply or is unable to breastfeed at all, and yet does not want to consider formula milk, is there another option available? The answer is yes actually. Some women have given their babies breastmilk donated by other women who have excess supply. These donations are often done informally through Facebook groups or through direct contact between donor and recipient. While it is considered safe to do so as most mothers are well nourished and screened for diseases during pregnancy, the question is how comfortable are you in feeding your child breastmilk from another person.
Some mothers have said that they have no issues giving their babies donated breastmilk, as they feel that breastmilk (even if its not theirs) is a far better option than formula milk. These mothers added that as long as they know the donors to be healthy, they have no worries about feeding their babies donated breastmilk.
On the other hand, there are mothers who are apprehensive about donated breastmilk. These women feel that breastfeeding is a personal matter that should only be undertaken by the child’s mother. They cited the health and diet of donors as top concerns, as they cannot be 100% sure that the donors are healthy. For this group of mothers, the main reason that stops them from accepting donated breastmilk is an emotional one. Most of them feel guilty and even inferior for being unable to breastfeed their babies. Irrational as it may sound, these mothers also worry that their babies are aware that the milk is from another person and hence would not bond as well with them.
In the face of increasing social pressure to breastfeed and limited options, would you feed your child breastmilk that is not yours?
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