Human attraction to breasts and, in some cases, to women’s breast milk, has been observed across cultures and historical periods. While often misunderstood or sensationalized, this behavior can be explained through well-established psychological and neurobiological mechanisms. This paper explores why some men develop strong emotional or behavioral attachment to women’s breast milk, using the framework of fetish-based associative learning, attachment theory, and oxytocin-mediated bonding. Breastfeeding during infancy provides one of the earliest experiences of warmth, safety, and emotional regulation, forming deep affective memory patterns in the limbic system. As sexual identity emerges during puberty, these early memories may become linked with adult bonding behaviors. For some individuals, emotional stress, loneliness, or unmet relational needs can activate these early comfort associations, leading to a reliance on breast-related nurturing behaviors for emotional regulation. This paper reviews cultural, psychological, hormonal, and cognitive factors contributing to this attraction, differentiating emotional dependency from pathological behavior. A literature-based qualitative synthesis was conducted using studies from behavioral psychology, developmental neuroscience, maternal health, and human sexuality research. Findings suggest that the attraction is not primarily about the milk itself, but about nurturing, closeness, identity reinforcement, and stress relief. Understanding these dynamics may help clinicians approach the topic with sensitivity, reduce stigma, and support individuals in building healthier emotional coping strategies. The topic should be viewed through a scientific and compassionate lens, rather than moral judgment.

Human behavior surrounding intimacy and nurturing often reflects early-life emotional experiences. Among the most fundamental of these experiences is breastfeeding, which provides not only nutrition but also warmth, physical closeness, and emotional bonding. For some men, these early experiences form lasting emotional associations that influence their attachment patterns and preferences later in life. Attraction to women’s breasts is common in many cultures, but in a smaller subset of individuals, there may be a deeper emotional or behavioral connection to breast milk itself. Understanding this phenomenon requires a psychological rather than moral or sexual framing. This paper examines why some men become strongly attached to women’s breast milk, emphasizing the role of early sensory memory, hormonal bonding pathways, and comfort-based learning. The analysis draws from developmental psychology, attachment theory, behavioral conditioning, and neurobiology.

Research suggests that breastfeeding creates long-term emotional imprinting through oxytocin and endorphin release, shaping trust and comfort patterns [1,2]. The breasts become a symbol of security and nurturing [3]. Through classical conditioning, sensory cues such as touch, smell, or closeness may later trigger feelings of comfort or emotional safety [4]. During puberty, these sensory associations may overlap with sexual arousal pathways, forming fetish-based associative learning [5].

Men who experience emotional neglect, anxiety, or insecure attachment may later seek breast-related nurturing as emotional self-regulation (6–8). Cultural symbolism further reinforces breasts as signs of femininity and maternal care [9]. In some settings, breast milk is believed to have healing or strengthening properties, encouraging adult consumption [10,11]. Therefore, the attraction is rooted more in comfort memory and emotional bonding than physical need.

A qualitative narrative literature review was conducted. Databases searched: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ScienceDirect (2010–2025). Keywords included: adult breastfeeding relationship, attachment behavior, oxytocin bonding, fetish conditioning, comfort-seeking behavior. Articles were screened for psychological, sociocultural, or neurobiological relevance. No sexual or explicit sources were included.

Statistical / Theoretical Analysis

Across reviewed studies, associative emotional learning appeared in 68% of cases discussing attraction to breast-related nurturing (12–14). Attachment insecurity was documented in 45% of participants with strong nurturing-seeking behaviors (15,16). Oxytocin-related bonding effects were reported consistently across all breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact studies (17–19). These findings support a model where breast milk attraction is emotionally conditioned, not biologically addictive.

The review found:

• Attraction to breast milk is comfort-driven rather than physiological.
• Emotional reassurance and stress relief are core motivations.
• Early bonding memories are reactivated during adulthood under emotional stress.
• The behavior aligns more closely with attachment reinforcement than sexual fixation.

Table 1: Psychological and Biological Factors Influencing Attraction to Women’s Breast Milk.

Source: Original Tab created by the authors (Haider et al., 2025).

Figure 1: Contributing Factors to Adult Breast Milk Attraction.

                Source: Original conceptual synthesis created by the authors (Haider et al., 2025).

Understanding this phenomenon requires compassion and scientific clarity. The behavior does not indicate abnormality unless it interferes with relationships, functioning, or consent. Counseling approaches should focus on:

• Emotional expression
• Stress coping mechanisms
• Relationship communication patterns

This behavior can be reframed as a search for emotional safety, rooted in early attachment.

Some men are drawn to women’s breast milk due to deep emotional memories tied to comfort, care, and bonding. This is not about the milk itself, but about the feeling of being nurtured and secure. Recognizing this helps reduce stigma and encourages healthier emotional support strategies.

The completion of this research assignment could now not have been possible without the contributions and assistance of many individuals and groups. We’re. deeply thankful to all those who played a role in the success of this project I would like to thank My Mentor Dr. Naweed Imam Syed Prof department of cell Biology at the University of Calgary and for their useful input and guidance for the duration of the research system. Their insights and understanding had been instrumental in shaping the path of this undertaking.                                                                                                                                                                                         

I would like to increase our sincere way to all the members of our take a look at, who generously shared their time, studies, and insights with us. Their willingness to interact with our studies became essential to the success of this assignment, and we’re deeply thankful for their participation.

The authors declare no conflict-of-interest

 The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article