Milk Sharing Through the Ages
A Story of Mothers Helping Mothers
Long before formula, before pumps, and even before refrigeration, mothers turned to each other.
But not all milk sharing was voluntary.
In the American South, many enslaved Black women were forced to wet nurse the children of enslavers - sometimes while being separated from their own babies. Their bodies were exploited in the most intimate way, their nourishment given without consent.
Similarly, during British colonization, enslaved Irish women and girls - often labeled as indentured servants or “white slaves” - were used as wet nurses in the Caribbean and early American colonies. Many were torn from famine-stricken homes and compelled to nourish the children of wealthier families while their own went without.
These chapters are heavy. They remind us that milk sharing has existed at the crossroads of care and control - used both as a gift and as a tool of oppression.
But beneath the injustice, the truth remains: a woman’s milk is powerful. It carries life, immunity, bonding, and nourishment.
When freely given, it becomes something sacred.
Across the world and throughout history, milk sharing also thrived as an act of love, trust, and community.
In ancient Egypt, wet nurses were highly respected and often lived in the same household as the baby they nursed. In Imperial China, noble families sought out wet nurses for both nutrition and the belief that moral traits were passed through milk. In medieval Europe, it was common for upper-class families to send their infants to live with a wet nurse for years. Among Indigenous cultures, milk sharing was a community norm - based on kinship, mutual care, and survival.
Even the Bible mentions wet nurses - Pharaoh’s daughter called for one to feed baby Moses (Exodus 2:7–9). In France, royal wet nurses were carefully chosen, held to strict dietary standards, and often paid generously for their service.
✨ Some stories stand out:
• St. Agatha, an early Christian martyr, is often symbolically associated with nourishing miracles.
• In Aboriginal Australian communities, aunties and elders sometimes nursed babies in the group - a living example of shared care.
• In many cultures, neighbors would take turns nursing one another’s children so each mother could rest - a quiet rhythm of mutual giving.
These were not acts of desperation.
They were acts of trust, sisterhood, and survival.
This was the village everyone talks about today in the abstract.
Not just an idea, but real, tangible support - one mother nourishing another’s child as if they were her own.
✨ Why Donor Milk Today?
Milk sharing is still very much alive - though it may look different now. For some families, it’s a backup plan. For others, it’s a lifeline.
• Closest match to breastmilk for babies who can't nurse
• Full of live enzymes, antibodies, and nutrients
• Gentle on sensitive tummies
• Especially helpful for preemies, allergies, or birth recovery
• Provides connection, continuity, and support within your local village
🌼 Where to Find Donor Milk
You don’t need to be part of royalty - or even a large community - to access donor milk today. Whether you're looking for occasional bottles or regular sharing, there are ways to connect:
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Human Milk 4 Human Babies (Facebook-based global network)
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Eats on Feets (community milk sharing initiative)
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Local midwives, doulas, and holistic practitioners
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Breastfeeding support groups and parenting collectives
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Certified milk banks (note: pasteurized milk increases safety but may reduce live elements)
💬 Questions to Ask a Potential Donor
When it comes to milk sharing, transparency is key. Most donor moms are more than happy to answer your questions, and open communication protects both families.
Here’s what to ask:
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What medications, supplements, or herbs are you currently taking?
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Do you drink alcohol, smoke, or use cannabis?
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Are you gluten/dairy/soy free (if your baby has sensitivities)?
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Do you eat common allergens regularly?
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How do you pump and store milk - are clean, sterile practices used?
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How long ago was the milk frozen and at what temperature?
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Optional: Do you have recent bloodwork or health screenings?
It may feel awkward at first - but remember: This is nourishment. This is your baby. Asking is part of the love.
💛 Reviving the Village
This isn’t just feeding.
It’s reviving the village.
It’s body-to-body generosity, woman to woman, mother to mother.
A reminder that even in a modern world, ancient support still exists - if we’re willing to reach for it.
If you’ve ever shared milk, received milk, or are just beginning to explore the idea, your story matters. Let’s keep this sacred tradition alive and build the village our children deserve.