Breastfeeding someone else’s child has become a controversial topic in modern times, although it was common practice before the 19th century when wet nurses were employed by wealthy families and mothers shared breastfeeding duties among themselves. Jane McNeice, 49, faced criticism and lost a close friend after openly discussing her experience of breastfeeding two of her grandchildren and providing expressed milk for a third.
Despite the backlash, Jane stands by her decision, supported by her family, including her partner. She reveals that she is not alone in breastfeeding her grandchildren, citing the example of Penny Lancaster, 54, who donated her breast milk to her granddaughter when her stepdaughter struggled with milk production.
Jane’s journey with breastfeeding extended to her granddaughter Evie, born in 2012, when her daughter had difficulties breastfeeding. Jane stepped in to help with formula feeds and even breastfed her grandson Oliver, without any negative reactions from her family. She highlights that her actions were driven by the belief in the health benefits of breast milk and the desire not to waste any surplus milk.
The unconventional breastfeeding continued as Jane welcomed her second son, Ben, in 2016, just months after her granddaughter Bella was born. Jane casually breastfed Bella without seeking permission, a decision that did not bother her daughter, Laura. Despite some raised eyebrows and a lost friendship due to a friend’s extreme reaction, Jane remains unapologetic about her choices, deciding to keep her breastfeeding practices within her family circle from then on.