The answer to "Is it OK to try breast milk?" depends heavily on who is trying it and why. There are several contexts to consider:
For Infants:
Breast milk is the ideal food for infants under six months old, providing complete nutrition and immune support. The CDC emphasizes that most breastfed babies should not receive infant formula during the first year. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/how-much-and-how-often.html Introducing solid foods should only occur after consulting a doctor and when the baby shows readiness, usually around six months. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/feed47m.html Premature babies may require special care and feeding methods, potentially including breast milk administered via a cup or syringe. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/premature-baby/ For children under one year, breast milk or formula is still the recommended primary nutrition source. https://www.chop.edu/news/making-switch-cow-s-milk-1-year-olds
For Adults:
The acceptability of adults consuming breast milk is a more nuanced question. While generally safe if sourced appropriately, there are ethical and social considerations. One source states that "generally speaking it is fine to breastfeed your husband or partner." https://www.parents.com/breastfeeding-your-husband-or-partner-8559325 However, it's crucial to obtain milk from a screened and pasteurized source, as unpasteurized breast milk carries the risk of transmitting diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis. [Reference provided: Human breast milk from a milk bank is screened and pasteurized, so it doesn't contain anything harmful. However, certain diseases (including HIV and hepatitis) can be transmitted through breast milk.]
Re-lactation and Relaunching Breastfeeding:
It's possible to restart breastfeeding after a period of cessation. Studies show an increasing number of families choosing this path. https://www.ynhh.org/articles/can-you-start-breastfeeding-after-stopping
In summary: The safety and appropriateness of consuming breast milk depend entirely on the context and individual circumstances. For infants, it's generally safe and beneficial when obtained from the mother or a screened and pasteurized source. For adults, the practice is more socially and ethically complex, requiring careful consideration of the source and potential risks.
