Parenting
Introducing a Texas mom who believes in the power of shared breastfeeding. Meet Sarah Brookstone, a former nanny from Fort Worth, who is on a mission to debunk the stigma surrounding wet nursing. Over her journey, she has breastfed 14 children, with only two being her own.
At 27, Sarah began nursing other children soon after the birth of her first daughter. As she shared with a local publication, “Wet nursing might seem taboo to some, but at its core, it’s just one mother supporting another—and, most importantly, nourishing a child. Breastfeeding other babies has profoundly impacted my life.”
Her first experience with wet nursing occurred when friends needed a caregiver for their nine-month-old while they were away for the weekend. “My daughter, Ellie, was just four months old and I had excess milk,” Sarah revealed. “I nursed Ellie first, and then the other baby. It felt completely natural and even boosted my milk supply.”
Having been breastfed by a wet nurse herself, Sarah grew up without any negative associations surrounding the practice. “I was raised to understand that wet nursing was a normal aspect of motherhood. Helping other moms access the milk that only a mother can provide has always felt right to me.”
After discussing her experiences online, Sarah found that many other mothers were intrigued by the concept. The 12 babies she has nursed include her nephew and children of friends. Her motivation stems from a desire to ensure no woman feels pressured to wean her child when there are other mothers willing to help. “In my view, wet nursing is a natural, important option for a child. While expressing milk into a bottle is an option, having a breast available makes it a much simpler process.”
Historically, wet nursing has been practiced by royalty and has roots in many cultures. “Kings and queens have relied on wet nurses throughout history, so sharing my experiences on social media and advocating for this practice feels like a natural extension of that tradition,” Sarah said.
While her approach may seem unconventional, it highlights a broader conversation about motherhood and the societal norms that often surround it. The concept of wet nursing may not be widely accepted today, largely due to advancements like formula and screened breast milk banks. These alternatives provide options for women who cannot produce milk, ensuring children receive a safe, healthy substitute.
The selflessness of Sarah’s actions is commendable, especially as many mothers struggle just to feed their own children, let alone others. The discomfort some may feel toward this practice is a reflection of societal taboos. Just as some trends have evolved—who would have thought placental smoothies would be a thing?—perhaps shared breastfeeding could become the next conversation starter among parents.
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Summary:
Sarah Brookstone, a Texas mom and former nanny, is challenging the stigma around wet nursing. By sharing her experiences of breastfeeding children beyond her own, she aims to support other mothers and normalize this age-old practice. While societal perceptions are slow to change, her advocacy could pave the way for new conversations about motherhood and community support.