Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Is it healthy for a man to drink breast milk?

Is it healthy for a man to drink breast milk?

The Trend of Men Drinking Breast Milk: A Closer Look
In recent years, a peculiar trend has emerged where some men are turning to breast milk, believing it may offer health benefits similar to those it provides infants. This phenomenon gained attention through various media outlets, including a web docuseries titled ‘(Un)well’, which showcased bodybuilders consuming breast milk to enhance their muscle growth and overall health. However, experts are raising significant concerns about this practice.
Nutritional Value and Misconceptions
Breast milk is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, containing a unique balance of nutrients that support their rapid growth and development. While it is rich in proteins, fats, and antibodies, the notion that these benefits can be transferred to adults is largely unfounded. Experts emphasize that breast milk is not intended for adult consumption, and claims suggesting it can combat diseases or improve health outcomes lack robust scientific backing.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
The consumption of breast milk by adults is not without risks. One of the primary concerns is the potential for contamination. Breast milk obtained from unregulated sources, particularly online markets, can harbor pathogens that pose serious health risks. Dr. Sarah Steele, a professor at Queen Mary University of London, highlights that breast milk does not enhance health or athletic performance for adults and cautions against the dangers associated with its consumption.
Moreover, the nutritional needs of adults differ significantly from those of infants. While breast milk is tailored for babies, adults require a more varied diet to meet their complex nutritional requirements. The idea that drinking breast milk can serve as a health supplement is misleading and could lead to nutritional imbalances.
The Psychological Aspect
Beyond the nutritional debate, there are psychological factors at play. Some men are drawn to the idea of consuming breast milk due to curiosity or even sexual attraction. This aspect complicates the conversation, as it intertwines personal desires with health considerations. However, experts urge individuals to reconsider the motivations behind this trend and to prioritize health and safety over novelty.
Conclusion
In summary, while the trend of men drinking breast milk may seem intriguing, it is fraught with misconceptions and potential health risks. Experts unanimously agree that breast milk is not designed for adult consumption and does not provide the purported health benefits. As this trend continues to gain attention, it is crucial for individuals to approach it with caution and to seek out scientifically supported dietary practices that truly enhance health and well-being.

Is it OK if I breastfeed my husband?

Many people wonder if adult breastfeeding or erotic lactation is OK and generally speaking it is fine to breastfeed your husband or partner. There’s no shame in wanting try breastfeeding your partner, many adults are curious about the taste of their milk.

How can I start lactating for my husband?

If hormone therapy or breast stimulation treatments are not the route you’d like to go, you can check out a feeding aide that delivers formula or milk through a device that attaches to your breast. For an erotic alternative, you could also drizzle milk on your breasts and invite your partner to imbibe that way.

Why do bodybuilders want breast milk?

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” says Brian St. Pierre, a sports dietitian with Precision Nutrition.

Is it good for my husband to drink my breast milk?

From a cultural, social and personal perspective, drinking one’s partner’s breast milk may be considered inappropriate or unconventional by some people. From a health standpoint, it is not recommended to consume breast milk from an unknown source, as it may contain diseases or substances harmful to adults.

What are the benefits of a man drinking breast milk?

There are reports of people claiming that breast milk can help build muscle because it is full of nutrients, but the reported health benefits lack scientific evidence. Breast milk has been used as topical application for burns, eye infections (such as pink eye), diaper rash and wounds.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for a husband?

Breastfeeding/bodyfeeding benefits your partner by:

  • Helping to decrease the blood lost after delivery.
  • Decreasing the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer.
  • Decreasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Is breastmilk good for adults’ skin?

First aid and personal care. The anti-inflammatory properties that make breast milk a great solution to help your baby heal can also benefit older children and adults. For example, breast milk (frozen or fresh) can be used to treat minor burns, whether caused by the sun, a curling iron, or a cooking session.

What are the benefits of drinking my wife’s breast milk?

There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming it or applying it to your skin has any benefits for the adult body. “In breast milk, babies get much-needed nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that are perfectly suited for them to grow and develop,” explains Alexander.

Is drinking milk healthy for men?

Providing about 8 g per cup, milk is a good source of protein, which is necessary for repairing body tissues and preserving or increasing lean muscle mass. A diet that includes an adequate amount of protein can enhance wound healing, and it may lead to an increase in muscle mass.

Is it okay for a man to drink breast milk?

It’s not necessarily harmful to drink someone else’s breast milk (provided they don’t have an underlying infectious disease), but there’s no evidence to suggest that it’s beneficial, New York–based Jessica Cording, RD, tells SELF.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment