Men's interest in breast milk stems from a variety of factors, encompassing both physiological and psychological aspects. It's not a universally shared preference, but rather a phenomenon with diverse underlying reasons.
Physiological Aspects
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Nutritional Content: Breast milk is rich in sugars and nutrients, which might appeal to some individuals' palates. The Reddit thread https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/1bdyxej/why_are_men-so-curious-about-breast-milk/ mentions the high caloric content as a potential factor. This is a simplistic explanation, however, and doesn't fully address the complexity of the issue.
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Sensory Experience: The texture and temperature of breast milk contribute to the sensory experience, potentially adding to its appeal for certain men.
Psychological and Sexual Aspects
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Erotic Lactation: As noted in the provided text, erotic lactation is a recognized fetish where individuals find sexual arousal in the sight, act, or sensation of lactation. This could explain some men's interest in breast milk.
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Emotional Connection: Some men may associate breast milk with intimacy, comfort, and nurturing, leading to an emotional attachment or desire for connection. The provided text indicates that "the men gave a genuine emotional need as their motive" in some instances.
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Curiosity and Exploration: Like any unexplored area, curiosity about breast milk and the experience of consuming it may drive some men to try it.
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Social Influence: The observation of other men engaging in this activity, either openly or discreetly, can normalize the behavior and encourage participation. The Guardian article http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/28/she-cant-say-no-the-men-who-take-breast-milk-from-babies highlights how this can occur within social groups.
Important Considerations
It's crucial to emphasize that consuming breast milk outside of infancy presents potential health risks, including the transmission of pathogens. Furthermore, the consumption of breast milk by adults should always be consensual and respect the boundaries of the lactating individual. The act should never be coerced or pressured.