‘Milk Siblings’ Mum Courts Controversy By Breastfeeding Son And Friend’s Child At The Same Time

A mother who posted a picture showing herself breastfeeding her child and a friend’s son she was babysitting has caused outrage.

In the controversial snap Jessica Anne Colletti can be seen smiling at the camera as she nurses her own 16-month-old son and her friend’s 18-month-old boy.

The Mirror reports that the intimate image was shared by the mom-of-one with a parenting blog which promotes breastfeeding and goes by name of Mama Bean Unconditional Attachment.

The blog shared the unusual picture and accompanying post on its Facebook page where Jessica describes her son and her friend’s child as “milk siblings.”

“My son on the right is 16 months and my friend’s son is 18 months. I watch her son while she works and have been feeding them both for a year! So much love between these milk siblings, it’s a special bond between us all.”

The post has already been liked 500 times, with many readers positive in their reaction to the picture.

One mom wrote that if a practice was more widely accepted, other moms wouldn’t have such a hard time working or doing other things.

“This is amazing!! If only this was more widely accepted us mums wouldn’t have such a hard time doing things or working.

“I’m lucky enough to be able to feed my son while he is in childcare but lots of people cannot. What a different world it would be if we went back to older more natural ways.”

Another reader suggested that wet nursing is not a new concept and that the picture shouldn’t be regarded as unusual.

“Wet nurse. As long as her friend is ok with it, then it’s perfectly fine. Just like having twins…. I bet she is using mad calories nursing two!!!

“Honestly, not any different than donating. In fact, both are getting better benefits of the milk because it’s not frozen or altered in any way. 100% fresh.”

Other readers were not so positive in their reaction with one suggesting it would feel wrong to let another woman breastfeed their child and yet another believed such a practice was completely overstepping the line.

“Yeah I don’t know how I feel about this. I truly believe it is a sacred bond that should only be shared by mother and baby.

“I feel breastfeeding someone else’s baby is totally over stepping. Unless they’ve asked you to. Then go for your life. Still not sure about it though.”

In response to the fierce debate her picture post created, Jessica explained to the blog that breastfeeding her friend’s son was the most natural thing in the world.

“Breastfeeding my friend’s son came naturally to me. I started babysitting him when he was 5 months old and the first time she dropped him off to me I asked permission to nurse him, since I was already nursing my 3 month old.

“She responded with an enthusiastic yes, because he was having issues with the formula his previous sitter had been giving him.

“My friend struggled with breastfeeding in the beginning and succeeded for 9 months. She was always very happy that her son had the nutrition and comfort he needed while she was working.

“Being able to breastfeed her little boy has created a special bond between us all, a bond I will always cherish.”

What do you think. Would you be comfortable with your friend breastfeeding your child?

[Image via Jeff Topping, Getty Images.]