Doctor: Father Breast-fed Baby (Press, 21 February 1980)
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Summary: Doctor: Father Breast-fed Baby (Press, 21 February 1980)
On 21 February 1980, a unique case was reported in New York involving a 40-year-old married man who breast-fed his infant daughter with the assistance of female sex hormones. This unusual situation was disclosed by Dr Leo Wollman, a psychiatrist, endocrinologist, and gynaecologist based in Brooklyn, who treated the individual. The event took place six years prior, making it a notable instance in medical history as it marked the only known case of a man successfully breast-feeding a child. The man, a transvestite residing in the New York metropolitan area and not publicly identified, had been prescribed female sex hormones 18 years earlier to induce breast development. He and his wife, who was aware of his sexual orientation, later decided to have a child. Dr Wollman explained that the method used to achieve lactation in the man was based on laboratory research that successfully induced lactation in male animals. According to Dr Wollman, the infant thrived under this unconventional arrangement, showing good physical health and a well-adjusted nature. The father continued to receive hormone therapy, which allowed for breast milk production sufficient to nurse his daughter for three months. The doctor described the milk produced as slightly different in taste compared to that of a typical female lactating individual, and he asserted that it was nutritionally adequate. Dr Wollman refrained from sharing further details about the patient's personal life, claiming confidentiality and the need for discretion while also recognising the broader implications of this case in scientific research. He maintained that the man held a responsible job, reflecting on the complexities surrounding gender identity, parenthood, and biological factors in nursing. Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding this case, it contributed to discussions on the possibilities of lactation in males, and the medical field's understanding of gender and parenting roles.
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