Breast milk for an older child?

Meery82 · March 2014

I was curious about this and couldn't find anything on a Google search. I wanted to know if anyone has ever heard of this or done this: when you start making milk again with your second child, pumping extra and giving it to your toddler/older child as well. And I don't mean returning to breastfeeding at all; just replacing cow's milk with mom's milk. Wouldn't that be better for the child than cow's milk? Just a hypothetical I thought of and wondered if any of you might have any answers for me.

mommatotwo2 · March 2014

I agree with @KateRN, most likely the milk tastes very different and a toddler may not make the transition well, or may love it and then have trouble going back to cows milk. I'd personally freeze any extra for your infant. Down the road you will want it fir mixing with baby cereal, etc.

mommatotwo2 · March 2014

I agree with @KateRN, most likely the milk tastes very different and a toddler may not make the transition well, or may love it and then have trouble going back to cows milk. I'd personally freeze any extra for your infant. Down the road you will want it fir mixing with baby cereal, etc.

Myaflowers · March 2014

I agree with PP about older children being more picky about the taste. I remember when my sister was a baby and I was 3, I asked my mom if I could try some breast milk. My mom pumped a little for me to try. I didn't like the taste and spit it out.

Myaflowers · March 2014

I agree with PP about older children being more picky about the taste. I remember when my sister was a baby and I was 3, I asked my mom if I could try some breast milk. My mom pumped a little for me to try. I didn't like the taste and spit it out.

tcu_2003 · March 2014

My sister has a 4 year (she'll be 5 in May) and an 10 month old, and the 4-year old will sometimes ask for mommy milk, as she calls it. She doesn't want it all of the time, but occasionally does, and so I say give it a try if you pump enough! Sis will also add it to older niece's oatmeal occasionally, especially if she's trying to fend off an illness.

jllmb79 · March 2014

On occasion DD#1 will ask for mommy milk. Usually she will ask when DD#2 is done with her sippy of BM. She says she likes it but I think it is just wanting to be like her baby sister. I don't have a problem giving it to her when she asks.

Meery82 · March 2014

Thanks for all the responses!

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