In an era where personal boundaries and unconventional practices are increasingly discussed, a couple from the United States is stirring conversation with their unique approach to intimacy and health. Rachel Bailey, 30, and her husband Alexander, also 30, have made headlines by revealing that they have maintained a breastfeeding relationship since 2017—one that they claim has strengthened their bond and contributed positively to Alexander’s health.
Rachel, a mother of three, shared that the practice began out of necessity during a period of over-lactation while nursing their children. “When my middle child, Aria, was breastfeeding and I was on a cruise with Alexander, I forgot my breast pump,” Rachel recounted. “I was in so much pain from being engorged and worried about infection. We decided Alexander would try drinking the milk to help relieve me.”
The initial intention was practical relief rather than a permanent arrangement. However, Rachel and Alexander quickly discovered that the experience was not only beneficial for Rachel’s comfort but also had unexpected positive effects. “It was an instant relief when Alexander latched on,” Rachel noted. “And it has created a more special bond between us that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Since then, the couple has continued this practice, with Alexander drinking Rachel’s breast milk three to four times a day during the peak of her lactation period. Over time, Alexander has come to prefer breast milk over cow’s milk, a change that Rachel attributes to her dietary choices. “My diet affects Alexander’s milk consumption, so there’s an added benefit of having a diet that’s more health-conscious,” she said.
The Baileys assert that their breastfeeding arrangement is not driven by any form of kink or embarrassment. Instead, they view it as a healthy and enriching practice that enhances their relationship. “It’s a bit of a taboo subject, but we wanted to share it because we don’t think it’s bad and we aren’t ashamed,” Rachel stated.
Alexander has reportedly enjoyed notable health benefits since adopting this practice. “He hasn’t had a cold in two years, and he’s received many compliments on his skin,” Rachel added. This has led them to advocate for the practice as a potential positive influence on health, though they acknowledge the need for more research on its broader implications.
“I love breastfeeding him as it allows us to spend quality time together. It’s definitely brought us closer as a couple.
“It’s not a kink for us. It started as Alexander just helping me out when I was in pain, but it turned into more of an emotional bonding thing.”
When she fell pregnant again for the third time with her youngest child, Matthew, two, she’d begin over-lactating again and Alexander was on hand to gladly help her out. She would breastfeed her husband at breakfast, lunch and dinner, but as she is now producing less milk, she is only breastfeeding him at night.
“I have just stepped away from nursing our youngest child as I am producing less milk, so he just feeds on my milk in the evenings now,’ Rachel explained.
“I am sad that our breast feeding times have reduced now because I feel like it has taken away our routine of those blocks of quality time that we had together.”
She says it’s “such a nice experience” and the couple are “so glad” they started doing it.
“Nothing bad has come from it at all, so why should it be something that is hidden?,’ she remarked.
“Alexander felt so much more energized when he was drinking my milk and he said that he even felt in a state of medication while he was latched on.
“It was really special and brought us closer than ever before.”
While the couple’s unconventional approach may raise eyebrows, Rachel and Alexander hope their openness will encourage others to consider the personal and relational benefits of breastfeeding beyond the typical maternal context. As societal norms continue to evolve, the Baileys’ story offers a glimpse into how personal practices can intersect with health and intimacy in unexpected ways.