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Swedish Dad Aims to Make His Own Breast Milk
Man hopes to be able to suckle future kids; plans to pump his breasts for months
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Sep 3, 09 9:36 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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A Swedish father is attempting to defy convention—and millions of years of mammalian evolution—by producing his own breast milk, the Local reports. Ragnar Bengtsson, whose 2-year-old son won't be taking part in the experiment, plans to stimulate his breasts with a pump at 3-hour intervals every day for the next few months in the hopes of yielding milk.
"If it works and the milk turns out to have a high nutritional value it could be a real breakthrough," said Bengtsson, whose efforts will be tracked by Swedish TV. He may be able to produce "a drop or two" of milk after a few months of trying, according to one expert, who says it's fine for fathers to offer babies their breasts, but they shouldn't expect milk. "Healthy children know instinctively that the breast has a dual function," she said. One function "gives them milk, the other gives them warmth and a cozy bond."