Your cart is currently empty!
Meet The Mom Who Advocates for Sharing Breastfeeding Duties
In the realm of parenting, a fresh perspective is emerging, thanks to a former nanny from Fort Worth, Texas, who is working to normalize the concept of wet nursing. Meet Emily Foster, a 27-year-old mom who has breastfed 14 children — only two of whom are her own.
Emily began her journey into wet nursing shortly after the birth of her daughter. She shared with The Daily Chronicle, “Wet nursing is often viewed as taboo, but really, it’s just one mother stepping in to help another, and most importantly, assisting the child. Breastfeeding other babies has truly transformed my life.”
Her first experience with wet nursing came about when friends of hers needed someone to care for their nine-month-old while they were away for the weekend. “I had a four-month-old (Mia) and found myself producing more milk than my baby needed,” she recounted. “I fed Mia first and then nursed the other child. It was such a natural experience and even boosted my milk supply!”
Emily was herself breastfed by a wet nurse when she was a baby, so she never associated any stigma with the practice. “I grew up understanding that wet nursing and mothers supporting each other with breast milk is completely normal,” she explained.
After sharing her experiences online, Emily discovered many other mothers were eager to learn about wet nursing as well. The 12 little ones she has nursed include her nephew, children of friends, and even acquaintances. “My goal is to ensure no woman feels forced to wean her child when there are other mothers willing to provide milk,” she said. “It just makes sense to feed a child directly when there’s a breast available — why fuss with bottles?”
“Throughout history, even royalty has relied on wet nurses. It’s a natural practice,” Emily added, explaining her motivation for sharing her journey on social media. However, while she champions this approach, it’s understandable why some might be hesitant. The landscape has changed significantly since the heyday of wet nursing, with options like formula and breast milk banks now available. These alternatives provide reassurance to mothers unable to produce milk, ensuring that their children receive safe nutrition.
Emily’s selfless commitment to assisting other parents is commendable—especially since most of us can hardly keep up with our own breastfeeding journeys! Society’s discomfort with the topic is rooted in outdated perceptions, but who knows? Just as the trend of consuming placentas has gained traction, maybe this will become the next big thing among health-conscious moms.
For those exploring options in pregnancy and home insemination, there are valuable resources available, such as this informative article on infertility. If you’re interested in home insemination kits, check out this fertility boost from Make a Mom or dive into this other blog post for more insights.
In summary, Emily Foster is reshaping the conversation around wet nursing, advocating for a practice that many may consider unconventional. By sharing her experiences and encouraging open dialogue among mothers, she aims to break the stigma surrounding wet nursing, creating a supportive community for parents everywhere.