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Breast milk plays a vital role in strengthening a baby's developing immune system, while breastfeeding fosters a deep emotional connection. Naturally, mammals are biologically designed for this process. Yet, why does this topic remain so contentious? Some women attribute the backlash against public nursing to the sexualization of breasts. Others face criticism for choosing formula over breast milk. Even COVID-19 and its vaccines have brought attention to the subject: the virus isn't transmitted through breast milk, but vaccine antibodies are. Every few years, a new debate about breast milk emerges. Here are some of the most significant ones.
10. We All Debate Over Breast Milk Ice Cream
In 2011, a London-based shop launched ice cream made with human breast milk. The Icecreamists crafted “Baba Gaga” using milk donated by over a dozen women. This unique blend of vanilla and lemon zest, priced at approximately $22.50 per serving, sold out within days.
The Icecreamists sourced breast milk donors through an online ad, ensuring all donations were screened for viruses and contaminants, adhering to hospital and blood donor standards. The founder stated, “It’s pure, natural, organic, and free-range—if it’s suitable for our children, it’s perfect for our ice cream.”
However, officials from Westminster Council raised concerns that Baba Gaga could present health risks. “Producing food items from another individual’s bodily fluids may result in the transmission of viruses, including hepatitis,” remarked a council representative.
The Icecreamists dismissed the council’s worries as “utter nonsense,” arguing that “if the ice cream isn’t safe, then these mothers would also endanger their own infants.”
In 2015, breastfeeding advocate Victoria Hiley collaborated with the Licktators to reintroduce the product in celebration of the upcoming royal baby. “Breast milk is delicious, no matter your age,” Hiley commented. Would you try it?
9. Jury Duty Overrides a Mother’s Breastfeeding Needs
A woman from Hampshire can postpone her jury duty at Winchester Crown Court for 12 months, but she argues this isn’t sufficient. Zoe Stacey requested an exemption while breastfeeding her two-month-old son and hoped for a longer deferral than one year.
The Jury Central Summoning Bureau denied Stacey’s request, prompting her to appeal. She stated, “I am deeply committed to breastfeeding for as long as possible and do not wish to be separated from my son for the next year. I believe they should demonstrate greater understanding.” A judge at Winchester Crown Court will review her appeal. HM Courts and Tribunals Service noted, “It is standard practice to defer jury duty for new mothers who are breastfeeding. We are currently examining the details of this case.”
However, the U.S. FDA warns that using “donor human milk” carries significant risks. “Infants may be exposed to infectious diseases, such as HIV, chemical contaminants like illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications if the donor hasn’t been thoroughly screened,” the FDA’s website explains. “Additionally, improper handling or storage of human milk can lead to contamination, making it unsafe for consumption, just like any other type of milk.”
The FDA recommends that individuals interested in breast milk sharing consult the Human Milk Banking Association of North America for reliable information and resources.
7. Celebrity Fathers Turn to Imported Breast Milk
Since male couples cannot breastfeed, what do they do when they believe “breast is best”? For high-profile couples like Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, financial resources provide a solution. In 2010, the couple welcomed twins via surrogate and became concerned when one baby experienced gastrointestinal issues and fussiness. After trying multiple formulas, they decided to procure breast milk for their child.
“You need to have breast milk shipped in,” Harris mentioned in an interview. “If someone is pumping, the extra milk must be sent to San Jose for pasteurization before it’s returned to you. It feels like a scam!” The actor expressed frustration that even a neighbor willing to donate milk would face numerous hurdles. “If someone nearby in Santa Monica wants to provide milk, it has to be flown to San Jose,” he explained. “And the cost is exorbitant—breast milk is pricier than sushi!”
Sir Elton John and David Furnish followed a similar approach. Their son’s surrogate, who is also the biological mother, pumped breast milk in the U.S. and shipped it to the U.K. via FedEx. While celebrity couples can easily afford such luxuries, most milk banks charge around $4 per ounce—amounting to over $100 daily for a newborn—making imported breast milk inaccessible for the average family.
6. Actress Provides Breast Milk to Baby Battling Drug Addiction
When Jenna Elfman welcomed her first son, she realized she knew nothing about breastfeeding. “I had no prior knowledge about breastfeeding before my son’s birth. I didn’t even realize there was anything to learn,” she admitted. “I thought you just placed the baby on the breast, they suckled, and that was all there was to it.”
Unable to get her son to latch, Elfman switched to formula. However, she found a meaningful use for her pumped breast milk when a friend’s acquaintance had a baby suffering from methamphetamine addiction who couldn’t tolerate formula. “Every week, my friend would collect a supply of milk,” Elfman shared. “The moment the baby started on breast milk, he could keep it down. His rashes began to fade, and I essentially kept him alive for several months.”
5. Police Officer Breastfeeds Another Woman’s Baby
In 2018, Officer Celeste Jaqueline Ayala, while on duty at a children’s hospital in Berisso, Argentina, noticed a distressed, hungry infant. Having recently become a mother, Ayala quickly understood the baby’s needs. Without hesitation, she sat down outside the hospital ward, still in her police uniform, and nursed the child. Hospital staff explained that the baby had just been separated from its mother, which was why it hadn’t been fed yet.
In 2009, actress Salma Hayek drew global attention during a humanitarian visit to Sierra Leone, a country with the world’s highest infant mortality rate. One in five children there do not survive past their fifth birthday, largely due to malnutrition. Local doctors emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for two years, but cultural traditions often prevent this. Many mothers cease breastfeeding after a few months due to societal pressures, as husbands are culturally restricted from engaging in sexual relations with breastfeeding women.
A viral video captured Hayek breastfeeding a hungry infant boy born on the same day as her own daughter, who was then one year old. Hayek explained her actions were aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding breastfeeding, especially for older infants beyond a few months.
An EW.com blogger praised Hayek, humorously noting that her left breast had accomplished more for humanity in a few minutes than they had in their entire life.
4. Breast Milk Triggers Explosives Alarm
In 2017, Birtney Shawstad informed airport security that she was carrying breast milk and was asked to place the container in a separate bin for screening. The milk triggered an explosives alarm during testing, and a retest yielded the same result. Shawstad suspected the bin might be the issue and requested to screen the milk in a different bin, but her request was denied. Ultimately, she was compelled to discard the milk to proceed with her flight.
“I broke down in tears because I was at a complete loss,” Shawstad shared with reporters. “That milk was meant to feed my son.”
The TSA issued an apology to Shawstad and announced plans to retrain Denver TSA officers on handling oversized liquids, such as breast milk, during screenings.
In a separate incident, Delta Air Lines faced criticism for denying a nursing mother permission to board with her breast pump. Gate agents insisted she check her bag, leaving her unable to pump for over eight hours during her travels.
The airline issued an apology and clarified its stance, stating that it fully supports breastfeeding travelers. Delta emphasized that women are permitted to breastfeed on Delta and Delta Connection flights as well as in Delta facilities. Additionally, breast pumps are allowed on board.
3. Mother Breastfeeds Teenage Son
Nicole Mullen is a vocal proponent of extended breastfeeding and leads by example. The unconventional mother remained unfazed by the shocked reactions of bystanders as she nursed her 13-year-old son while waiting in line for a movie. When a ticket clerk demanded she stop, Mullen firmly responded, “I am a mother, and I have every right to feed my child in public.”
Some speculate Mullen’s actions are driven by a desire for attention, as she has made controversial claims, including deriving sexual pleasure from her son’s facial hair.
2. Festival Attendee Sprays Breast Milk Into Crowd
Just when you thought you’d seen everything, a surprising moment unfolded at the 2019 DirtyBird Campout in Southern California. Among 50,000 attendees, a blonde woman in a one-piece swimsuit, ballcap, sunglasses, and red boots stood out when she unexpectedly began spraying breast milk into the crowd. She multitasked by twerking while spraying, and another festival-goer even crouched to catch the milk in her mouth.
1. Supermodel Advocates for Breastfeeding Law
Gisele Bundchen, known for her candidness, didn’t hold back after becoming a mother. The supermodel, married to NFL star Tom Brady, sparked controversy with her remarks in a 2010 Harper’s Bazaar interview.
When questioned about her rapid post-pregnancy weight loss, Bundchen credited breastfeeding, adding, “Some people believe they don’t need to breastfeed, and I wonder, ‘Are you really going to feed your child chemical-based food when they’re so young?’ I believe there should be a global law requiring mothers to breastfeed for at least six months.”
The Victoria’s Secret model later softened her stance, acknowledging that her initial comments came across as overly rigid and expressing regret for their tone.
