For seven years, British sisters-in-law Holly and Becky Stevens have shared more than just family ties – they have shared breast milk, breastfeeding each other’s babies. This practice, which began out of convenience when Holly’s son Freddy was five days old, has since become a regular part of their parenting, fostering a deeper connection between their families.
The arrangement started when Becky, who was already nursing her own son, offered to feed Freddy when he needed a quick snack while she was watching him. Holly later found herself in a similar situation, nursing Becky’s son Foy when she forgot her breast pump. The convenience of not having to pack extra bottles contributed to the continuation of the practice.
Holly has since nursed Becky’s daughter Pearl, and the pair state that the shared breastfeeding has strengthened their bond. While this practice might seem unusual to some, the concept of wet nursing—where a lactating woman breastfeeds another woman’s child—dates back to ancient times and was an organized profession until the 19th century.
Modern-day milk sharing continues, with a 2025 JAMA study indicating that 3.7% of nearly 2,000 mothers nationwide reported giving their babies shared breast milk within the first six months. Other families have also shared milk, with anecdotal accounts surfacing on online forums. However, reactions to the practice vary, ranging from acceptance to strong disapproval.
Joanna Kreyling, a pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation consultant, noted that while direct nursing between close relatives or friends is not inherently unsafe if health information is openly shared, there are potential risks. For mothers, skipping feedings can lead to engorgement, while frequent extra feeds might cause oversupply. For babies, risks include the transmission of infections like HIV and herpes simplex virus, as well as the spread of common illnesses through saliva sharing. Ensuring adequate intake for each child is also a concern, as an established milk supply is typically intended for one baby, and inadequate intake can lead to dehydration, especially in newborns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against feeding babies sourced milk that has not undergone formal screening. Concerns about safety were highlighted in August when five infants in California were potentially exposed to HIV through informally donated breast milk, although no transmission was ultimately confirmed after testing.
Despite these concerns, Holly and Becky view their arrangement primarily as a practical solution to make motherhood more manageable, dismissing negativity with the simple sentiment, "Milk is milk."