ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nursing father

Well kiddo, you know how babies need milk to grow big and strong? Usually, the milk comes from mommy's breasts. But did you know that some daddies can produce milk too? It's really rare, but it can happen!

When a daddy produces milk, it's called nursing. Just like mommy's milk, daddy's milk has all the nutrients a baby needs to grow up healthy. But there are a few things that have to happen first.

First, daddy's body has to make some special hormones called prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones tell the body to produce milk and help it flow out of the breasts. Daddy's body might need a little help, like some special medicines or a pump to get the milk flowing.

Once daddy's milk is ready, the baby can nurse just like they would with mommy. Daddy will have to be patient and gentle, just like mommy, and make sure the baby is latched on correctly. Daddy can even bond with the baby in the same way that mommy does while nursing.

Not all daddies can nurse, but for those who can, it's a really special way to help take care of their baby. And remember, just like with mommy's milk, daddy's milk is perfect for the baby and full of love!