Fringe Fetishes: Adult Breastfeeding Relationships

My first question when thinking about this very topic is, “Why do we consume another animal’s milk when humans can make their own compatible source?” It is so hard to understand or fathom that it is a societal norm to drink fluid that is expressed from a four-legged beast with four stomachs. What had to happen to get us to this point, really?

Before I continue about the pros and cons, we really need to put shame aside and just read this for the mere basis of some information. I dare you to have an open mind. There is far too much stigma attached to things we don’t accept as a norm, maybe just maybe, we need to tuck it aside and just accept that some people like this. You can always decide it is not for you.

So let’s look at the long list of benefits in any human, young and old. Please note that there have been very few studies done to actually know what the true benefits to an adult human would be.

Babies (The Real Kind, Not the Fetish)

Benefits:

• Proteins, whey, and casein, which have infection-protection properties
• Essential fats, including long-chain fatty acids needed for brain, retina, and nervous system development
• Carbohydrates, including lactose, which helps to decrease the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach and improves the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium
• Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, vital to the infant’s health, although vitamins in breast milk are directly related to the mother’s vitamin intake

Adults (Anyone over 18 Years)

Benefits:

• Bonding
• Relaxation and mood improvement
• Possible weight loss for the one lactating.
• Easier to digest for the one consuming.
• Release of Oxytocin for the one lactating. (Huge natural body chemical that has a lot of benefits itself.)
• The action of suckling cause mini contractions in the uterus and sometimes spasms in the surrounding area, similar to orgasm. It’s generally not painful. If it becomes so, please consult a doctor.
• It has been known to help with many ailments and diseases. Though none can be confirmed as studies are rare or still in the works.

There are a few risks and those have been the main source of the ‘It’s a bad idea.’ Simply put, many people like the idea of breastmilk and some go to online selling or buying to get it. That tends to be the riskiest of all as you cannot confirm the source or the methods of storage and transportation. It is always best to get breastmilk right from the source and a person who you trust.

The Real Risks:

• Do not breastfeed if you have something infectious. Talk to a doctor about the complications if you are unsure.
• Breastfeeding with thrush (yeast infection) can be passed on. So treat the problem.
• Certain medications can be passed in breastmilk to your partner. Please talk to a doctor or lactation specialist to know if it is safe when taking your medication.
• Certain environmental chemicals that we have been exposed to or generations past have been exposed to still linger in breast milk. However, it’s very small in proportion to what is a factor to worry. 1951 is the first year that this was to be found in tested samples.

So why does this become a fetish or why include it in my series? Simply, this has fallen sometimes to the BDSM realm as it is still a societal taboo. What is taboo becomes kinky.

Many times though, sex is not required for this to be something someone wants in their life. That is really just a personal choice. That said, the bond that this process creates is very true. It’s a deep connection. It’s the same bond that is attributed to cuddles, orgasms, and nursing a child. What is this bond? It is very much a natural chemical bond.

Dopamine: is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them. Dopamine deficiency results in Parkinson's disease, and people with low dopamine activity may be more prone to addiction. The presence of a certain kind of dopamine receptor is also associated with sensation-seeking people, more commonly known as "risk takers."

Oxytocin: is a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing a role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm. When we hug or kiss a loved one, oxytocin levels increase; hence, oxytocin is often called "the love hormone." In fact, the hormone plays a huge role in all pair bonding. The hormone is greatly stimulated during sex, birth, and breastfeeding. Oxytocin is the hormone that underlies trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings.

Knowing that these two chemicals are the driving forces in this topic, you can see why many couples choose to pursue this simple curiosity in their own relationships. The benefits seem to outweigh the small risks.

There are some major factors to consider before perusing this type of relationship. They can weigh heavily on one’s mind as this becomes a new avenue of exploration.

Things to Consider:

• Commitment of Both Partners: The one lactating has to find a schedule and express the milk when their partner is not available. The suckler has to be present and help wherever possible. Both need an understanding of the others needs in the moment.
• Schedule: To achieve lactation is really is as simple as supply and demand. The more the milk is drained and with regular frequency, the more that will be produced. So a regular timetable for expressing is a must. From what I have read, this can be adapted once the actual lactation is present but during the inducing phase, it is suggested eight times per day for at least 20 minutes.
• Expense: You will need to invest in a breast pump, bras, nursing pads (they help with random leakage), and some sort of nipple balm. There are supplements and/or medications that can help with starting production. However, when it comes to those things that are ingested, I highly recommend seeking counsel from your doctor or a lactation specialist.
• Excess Milk: So what do you do with any extra milk that you cannot share with your partner? There are donor milk banks that test and screen the milk. Often you can find them connected with your local hospitals. Best of all, some actually do compensate for your milk. This, however, is not an anonymous process. So be prepared to share your information. I absolutely love the idea of being able to help someone in need so this is a beautiful option for that.

So now, the question is simply is this more me/us? No one can answer that for another person. When deciding to peruse any new sexual or relationship extension or even kink, do your research. The internet is great but it is also full of misinformation. There are a great many professionals that work with the everyday norm and those of us with a kinky side. Never be afraid to ask as most doctors and health professionals have heard a great deal more ‘weird stuff’ then they like to admit to. So really, it isn’t a scary situation to ask. Remember to have fun and don’t let this be a pressure point in your relationship.