Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful way for mothers to nourish their babies, but what happens when a sister steps in to help her sibling? Emily Boazman, a 33-year-old stay-at-home mom from New Mexico, opened up about her heartwarming decision to breastfeed her sister Katelyn Urioste’s baby girl, Kyan, and her experience in the face of criticism. Emily’s story challenges societal norms and emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the potential benefits of shared breastfeeding.
Emily Boazman, a mother of three herself, has always shared a close bond with her sister Katelyn. When Katelyn fell ill a month after giving birth to her daughter Kyan, Emily saw it as a natural extension of their sisterly connection to offer her support. Emily was still breastfeeding her own son, Keen, who was 18 months old at the time and producing milk. This allowed her to provide nourishment to Kyan when Katelyn was unwell or at the hospital.
But Emily’s generosity didn’t start with Kyan. She had previously nursed Katelyn’s twins, NavyKate and Grey, when her sister struggled with her milk supply after their birth in 2017. Emily’s act of love demonstrated the depth of their sisterly bond and her willingness to support her family in any way she could.
In a world where breastfeeding is often viewed as a private and intimate act between a mother and her child, Emily believes that sharing the breastfeeding experience can be a beautiful and healthy practice. She asserts that it can provide babies with double immunity, as each mother’s breast milk is tailored to her child’s specific needs. In her own words, “It’s special. We’re so close. It’s not weird to us. Somebody feeding your baby a bottle seems weird.”
Critics have raised their voices, branding Emily’s actions as “disgusting” or “creepy.” However, Emily points out that wet nursing, the practice of breastfeeding another woman’s baby, has been a part of human history for centuries. Organizations like UNICEF recognize wet nursing as an old but safe practice to ensure that children receive the full nutritional benefits of breast milk when their mothers are unable to breastfeed for various reasons.
Katelyn, the recipient of Emily’s selfless act, fully supports her sister’s decision. She describes it as a natural and heartwarming extension of their sisterly relationship. Katelyn’s traumatic birth experience on July 4, 2023, left her in a critical condition, but with Emily’s help, she was determined to nurse her daughter. Emily’s support was invaluable during Katelyn’s recovery, allowing her some much-needed rest and recuperation.
Emily and her husband, Jake, are currently living with Katelyn and her husband, Mike, while they remodel their own house. This proximity makes it easier for Emily to help nurse Kyan when necessary, although she doesn’t do it as often now.
Despite the initial surprise and unease felt by their husbands, Emily and Katelyn’s shared breastfeeding journey has strengthened their family’s understanding and acceptance. Emily hopes that by sharing her story, she can help normalize the idea of nursing other people’s babies. She firmly believes that many individuals have experienced similar situations but feel afraid to talk about it openly.
In conclusion, Emily Boazman’s decision to breastfeed her sister’s baby is a testament to the power of sisterly love and family bonds. It challenges societal norms and highlights the potential benefits of shared breastfeeding. Emily’s story reminds us that love, compassion, and support can take many forms, and ultimately, what matters most is the well-being of our loved ones.