Breastmilk for Preschooler

I had a baby in May, and had lots of stored milk. I made a milkshake for my 2 1/2 year old. (breastmilk and some vanilla ice cream) My husband thought it was gross, haha. I say don't let it go to waste!

GREAT!! Milk is milk and human milk is made for humans. It's as simple as that. I like the milk shake idea someone else mentioned too. I will try it myself.

I am still pumping milk for my 2-year old, and plan to continue doing so throughout the winter in order to keep his immune system in the best shape possible. I think that giving a child breast milk, no matter the age of the child, is definitely a benefit for a number of reasons, nutritional, immunological, etc. I'm not certain, however, if frozen milk contains the same level of immunological properties as fresh milk.

R.

By age 3 your baby should already be producing her own immunoglobulins, so not too much of a chance that she needs yours. However, I think that it is a great idea and you should do it if you can. As long as it has been stored properly and for not more than 3 months it should be OK.
You might also like to add some fish oil to her diet as a supplement.

I don't see a problem in doing that, if she will drink it and its available, offer it to her, it can only help!

Hi E. --

There should definitely be a benefit, so go for it.

You may also want to give her Pre and Probiotics as well as a really good multivitamin (as nutritional insurance).

Best of health,
S.

i tried doing so last winter, but my 3 yo daughter was totally grossed out by the taste, even thought i nursed her passed her 2nd birthday. anyway try it, it def would not hurt, but only help to boost her immune system

ABSOLUTELY!! It helps w/ inflammation, giving the DHA that only breast milk can provide and many other nutrients! In England and beginning to grow in the US w/ the Milk Bank I think is one such source, medically ill people buy it and research has shown that it helps w/ treating cancer (along w/ othe treatment I'm sure). YOu can find out more through La Leche League.

E.
It certainly can't hurt her and I think if you can give any child even a chance at avoiding being sick...and this damn Swine flu coming, go for it!!
My daughter is still on formula....the stage 2 formula.
She will be 2 in January, but if she will still drink it, I will still give it to her once or twice a day as she gets now...It's at least good food and at her age with her diet changes, I think the extra vitamins, calcium and nutrient rich formula will help her be as healthy as she can be.
I also avoid places like malls and large department stores.
I am always washing her hands down too as those fingers are in the mouth still with her 2 year old molars coming in!

I think you have a great idea there and what a great Mom you are for thinking about it to try to keep your girl safe and healthy.
I hope it works!
P.
P.S. I wan't able to breast feed my daughter. I tried but had health issues after I had her and had to take meds that dried up all my milk. It never came back.
The little time that I did get to breast feed her, it was amazing and so rewarding. That bond...OMG, NOTHING LIKE IT!!!
I loved it and so wish I was able to continue it.
But a healthy Mommy was what she needed and there was no other way around it!
I think breast milk is the absolute best food you can give your baby! Good for you!

I don't know of any studies that support this or offer any indication of such benefits but it couldn't harm her so why not do it if you want and she's willing?

It is very common in other cultures for toddlers to get a little extra breastmilk when mother is feeding another younger child. In Japan, historically children would take breastmilk until they were 7-8 years old (no longer since the formula companies came in). Now, since you are breastfeeding a 1 year old, the nutritional content may vary and possibly not be AS effective as for a 3 year old -- still, it does not at all hurt to try. Go for it! And kudos to you for giving your kiddies the best milk, your milk.

I've done it! Go for it. Couldn't hurt, and would probably help!

Ask the experts la leche league.org

Good question.

Definitely! I'm not sure exactly what happens in the freezing process but there should be at least some nutrients still available.

I'd go a step further if you want to boost immunity and leave out cow's milk entirely. Marketing pasteurized cow's milk as a "health" product is one of the biggest hoaxes ever to fool entire modern-day societies.

Simply removing cow's milk from the diet will help with immunity and prevent mucous from forming. When the body is full of mucous it won't absorb nutrients. Best way to prevent ear infections too.

Another option would be to make fresh juice or smoothies made from fruit and/or greens or simply give her plenty of fruit to eat. It's packed with nutrients and will really help her immune system.

If you need some resources about diet feel free to email me and I'll put a list together for you (something I've been meaning to do anyway!)
S.: ____@____.com

E.,

Congratulations on breastfeeding your children! It is one of the best things you can do for your children.

Absolutely! you can still nurse her too - nature intended it that way. I'm not sure you want to go back to nursing, but it is absolutely wonderful to give her more milk - it will help with her natural immunity and so much more.

Of course it will be more effective if it is every day - but any amount will help. Whatever you are comfortable with doing.

Good luck,
M.

PS: any questions, please email me

Probably wouldn't hurt, BUT I would be concerned that if she likes the taste of it (which is much sweeter and fattier than regular milk), she might end up refusing to drink regular milk, and I seriously doubt the added boost to her immune system could make up for the loss of vital nutrients from regular milk.