Mum’s picture sparks controversy for breastfeeding own son – as well as her friend’s

A breastfeeding photo posted on a parenting blog has caused some contoversy after the mum explained that she was breastfeeding not just her own son, but also her friend's.

Jessica Anne Colletti posted the picture on Mama Bean Unconditional Attachment with the caption:

'My son on the right is 16 months and my friend's son is 18 months.

'I watch her son while she works and have been feeding them both for a year!

'So much love between these milk siblings, it's a special bond between us all.'

And while many responded commending the married mum of one, not everyone was so sure. One user wrote, 'Breast feeding is a bond best kept between mother and child,' while one mum wrote, 'I am a mum of to and I would be so up set if some one feed my babies I am there mum and I would feel so wrong to feed some one else baby. But every one is diff and it's up to them and there friends [sic].'

Another said, 'I'm all for breastfeeding and all, but this just absurd...'

However, lots of people were quick to come to the mum's defence, sharing their words of support and encouragement on the post, which has had over 500 likes and 70 shares.

One said: 'I love this. My fiances brothers and sister in laws think this is weird. I think it's beautiful and creates a strong bond. My MIL and her friend did this with their boys.'

Another wrote: 'I breastfeed a lady's new born in the hospital as she was to unwell from her complicated birth! I did see the harm and it was the best thing for the child ! I continued to breastfeed my own son till he was two!'

As the attention on the post gathered pace, Jessica spoke to blog author Louise, stating:

'Breastfeeding my friend's son came naturally to me.

'I started babysitting him when he was 5 months old and the first time she dropped him off to me I asked permission to nurse him, since I was already nursing my 3 month old.

'She responded with an enthusiastic yes, because he was having issues with the formula his previous sitter had been giving him.

'My friend struggled with breastfeeding in the beginning and succeeded for 9 months. She was always very happy that her son had the nutrition and comfort he needed while she was working.

'Being able to breastfeed her little boy has created a special bond between us all, a bond I will always cherish.'

Would you be happy for a friend to breastfeed your child if you were unable? Or would you only want your baby breastfed if you could be the one to do it? Let us know your breastfeeding stories by leaving a comment below!