co-breastfeeding

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Dec 31, 2004

I wouldn't think it was unhealthy for anyone but it is kind of odd. Personal choice I guess.

BRANDY LPN · Dec 31, 2004

I think "kind of odd" is the understatement of the year. This is just plain old nuts in my opinion, and I also don't think it will make the pup more protective of the kid, if any thing I think it will cause the pup to think of the kid as a littermate, an equal, and he will treat the kid as such by competing for his place in the "pack" and will probably be MORE inclined to bite the kid. weird ppl.

nekhismom · Dec 31, 2004

I think "kind of odd" is the understatement of the year. This is just plain old nuts in my opinion, and I also don't think it will make the pup more protective of the kid, if any thing I think it will cause the pup to think of the kid as a littermate, an equal, and he will treat the kid as such by competing for his place in the "pack" and will probably be MORE inclined to bite the kid. weird ppl.

Yep, I agree with this one! Weird, some people are.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Dec 31, 2004

As for nutrition for the puppy...not so good.

rnmi2004 · Dec 31, 2004

Hmmm, if this story is for real & not one of those hoaxes, it sounds like this woman is a bit mentally unstable. Breastfeeding a dog? Talk about creepy. The idea that this will make the dog more likely to protect the (bottlefed) daughter is nuts.

And if you are going to do something that wacky, at least have the sense to do it without getting the media involved! Her poor children are going to have to grow up with the stigma of having the "crazy canine wet nurse" mother.

JVanRN · Dec 31, 2004

What bothers me the most is the fact the a dog is getting her breast milk and the child is getting the bottle.I think the baby would benefit from the breast milk more than the puppy would. Can't she pump and give it to the baby or something. I mean if she wants to bottle feed the child that's her choice. Nothing wrong with that, but I still don't see how breast feeding the dog would make it more protective of the child. Yeah some people are certainly "different" that's for sure.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2004

I think this lady needs a stay in a psych ward. Wouldn't this be an coverup for a disgusting fetish? Anyway, if she uses a pump, couldn't she give it to the baby and the puppy? Why does the dog need to breastfeed? Does she push the baby in a stroller, and let the dog suckle in public? :nono: I agree, that is weird!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2004

Her poor children are going to have to grow up with the stigma of having the "crazy canine wet nurse" mother.

LMAO.....I wonder if she will have a line of dogs following her everywhere waiting to be fed. :chuckle

Hardknox · Dec 31, 2004

Wow! I thought I'd heard everything. I wonder if the people at breastfeeding.com have heard of this???? :chuckle

mitchsmom · Dec 31, 2004

There probably isn't any danger in it per se, but the baby should definitely have priority in feeding at the breast. Putting the whole weirdness of nursing a dog factor aside, there are a couple of specific reasons that come to mind:

1) There are advantages for babies in feeding directly from the breast (oral, facial, eye development, better speech, less need for orthodontia, lower risk of TMJ syndrome; composition of milk varies during the feed; a small amount of the valuable fats, vitamins, and immune properties of milk are lost if milk is stored before feeding; see links if interested)

2) Milk is species-specific. Dog's milk and cow's milk and human's milk & all mammal's milk are different and created especially for that animal. As a matter of fact, milk is unique from person to person and from feeding to feeding! While the dog may be ok on human milk, there may be something more well-suited and healthier for it. We get much less protein and more lactose in human milk because it's needed for our brain development. Maybe it will grow up to be a very scrawny but intelligent dog! LOL

The Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of the Oral Cavity (also great info on dental caries, otitis media, SIDS, sleep apnea, and more)

http://www.brianpalmerdds.com/bfeed_oralcavity.htm

What is the big deal about milk?

http://home.howstuffworks.com/question297.htm

Milk Composition comparison with other mammals...scroll down for chart:

http://classes.aces.uiuc.edu/AnSci308/milkcomp.html

Basic comparative anatomy of the mammary gland.

http://137.222.110.150/calnet/mammary1/mammary1.htm

Don't Shake the Milk:

http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/shakenot.htm

Biological Functions of Lactation (lists differences in species):

http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:OxpavHSytW4J:animsci.agrenv.mcgill.ca/courses/460/topics/1/text.pdf+milk+constituents+comparison+mammals&hl=en&start=20

...and it goes on and on...