Photo of mom breastfeeding son, friend's toddler as 'milk brothers' ignites controversy



BALA CYNWYD, Pa. -- A Pennsylvania mom has ignited a national debate about breastfeeding after she shared a photo that shows her breastfeeding her 16-month-old son and her friend’s 18-month-old son at the same time.

Jessica Anne Colletti posted the photo in a Facebook Group named “Hey Facebook, breastfeeding is not obscene!” She shared her story Mama Bean - Unconditional Attachment and People Magazine.

Colletti told People that many people are misinformed when it comes to breastfeeding.

“They think it’s gross bodily fluid that shouldn’t be shared or transferred in any way," she told People. "And I can understand, if people are receiving donated breast milk, they want to have it tested, but if you know the mother directly and she’s healthy, and you know everything about her, it’s a perfectly healthy relationship to have."

Colletti said she watches her friend’s son while she works. She has been breastfeeding her friend's son for a year.

“So much love between these milk siblings, it's a special bond between us all,” Colletti wrote.

Colletti told Mama Bean - Unconditional Attachment:

"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."




(Credit: Mama Bean - Unconditional Attachment)