At what age is breastmilk no more beneficial than equivalent (eg. cow/fortified soy)

[MsMummy]

Does anybody have any information/links to studies/research etc on this?

I would like to keep providing breastmilk to my son long term, and even though it's early days, am idly thinking until what age it has a genuine benefit.

I'm not interesting in full-term feeding for any bonding or emotional benefit, purely nutrition.

I would probably solely express at some stage as I'm in the habit of expressing for work anyway.

I always thought I'd stop at 12 months, but I sort of feel possessed by this magic substance that I can make from my boobs that's perfect for my child!:D

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks.:)

[Tam-I-Am]

From a purely nutritional benefit, breastMILK will always be a more nutritionally sound choice for humans than cow's milk/soy/rice milk. There is no age limit on it. It would be more nutritionally sound for adults to drink human milk than cow's milk. In fact, most humans are in some way intolerant of cow's milk proteins or lactose. We're just not meant to consume it.

Breastmilk is a live, complete, super food that evolves and is ever-changing according to the needs of those consuming it. It has components that scientists haven't been able to even identify - much less replicate, yet. There is never a time that it wouldn't be of nutritional benefit to the human drinking it.

As for breastfeeding, well, I guess that's a different kettle of fish - because it's not just about nutrition :)

[MsMummy]

Thanks, Tam.

I suspected as such.

I'm sure I'm being a bit idealistic, but I have ideas of stopping physically feeding some point after 2 but continuing to express long term.

I sort of imagine giving him breastmilk on his cereal or in his lunchbox.:D

I guess it's more important for us, as well, as I don't drink cow's milk and don't want to give it to my children either.

I'm sure I'll get sick of the whole feeding thing at some stage, but I just feel like I have the potential for longevity as I've already overcome some of the common hurdles (already work 4 days a week, have lost interesting in heavily drinking, don't intend to try to conceive for years etc).

[bootiful]

I agree with Tam....:thumbsup:

I just wanted to say that I think its beautiful that you would put this much thought into the nutritional side of breastmilk long term. :D

I think the only issue would be how long you want to express for, if you are happy to do it forever then I can't see why not.

Congrats on you for doing it for so long :yelclap:

I think in an ideal world we would love nothing more than to feed our littlies breastmilk forever, but (to me) the idea of actual BREASTfeeding after 2/3 is not necessary. (Yes I do think that breastfeeding an above 3/4yr old is a little odd JMO).

[MsMummy]

I think the only issue would be how long you want to express for, if you are happy to do it forever then I can't see why not.
.

yes, I imagine that would be it! I imagine it might get tiresome at some point.

I think I'm just in awe of my magic boobs, and am aghast at the thought of "turning off the tap"!:laughing: Maybe I should write a book about magic boobs instead.:D

[bootiful]

yes, I imagine that would be it! I imagine it might get tiresome at some point.

I think I'm just in awe of my magic boobs, and am aghast at the thought of "turning off the tap"!:laughing: Maybe I should write a book about magic boobs instead.:D

Breastfeeding 'IS' a magical thing :babydust2::wizard:

I often sit there in awe at this little mouth sucking away at my boob and just smile @ her gulping my magic milk, that keeps her growing, healthy and happy...and its all me.

I can't think of much that can top that feeling (apart from conceiving and giving birth).

I think if you continue to feed him long term you might wanna contact ABA or the hospital as you might be able to provide them with some valuable research statistics on the effects of long term bf....i wonder if they get less sick and are smarter etc.

You could call your book - 'Turning off the taps - when is the right time?' :laughing: I would buy it :thumbsup:

DD#2 is nearly 6 months and loves her booby, even with trying solids (she is eager) she still wants boobie ALL the time..she would hang of me 24/7 if she could. I can't belive time has gone so fast...and i know the next 6 will go quicker...I hope I can make it to 2 years.

[~Emmylou~]

From a purely nutritional benefit, breastMILK will always be a more nutritionally sound choice for humans than cow's milk/soy/rice milk. There is no age limit on it. It would be more nutritionally sound for adults to drink human milk than cow's milk. In fact, most humans are in some way intolerant of cow's milk proteins or lactose. We're just not meant to consume it.

Breastmilk is a live, complete, super food that evolves and is ever-changing according to the needs of those consuming it. It has components that scientists haven't been able to even identify - much less replicate, yet. There is never a time that it wouldn't be of nutritional benefit to the human drinking it.

As for breastfeeding, well, I guess that's a different kettle of fish - because it's not just about nutrition :)

:iagree:

(Sorry tam I'm not stalking you tonight lol)

There is no age that breastmilk loses its nutritional superiority over other milks.

Purely anecdotal - my almost three year old son who is still breastfed, and has been in daycare since he was one, has never had more than a mild runny nose that resolves in a day or so. He has never, ever had a fever. He's never had an ear infection or a viral infection of any sort.

My daughter, who was only b/f a few months had colds, viral infections (one that hospitalised her) UTI's, rotavirus...she had the works before she was 18 months old. She is healthy as a horse now but she did go through that sick phase that most kids that aren't breastfed experience until they're about 2 (when their immune systems become stronger anyway).

It's been so different with DS, it's really been quite amazing.