I know the fats in cow's milk are necessary for brain development but mother's milk is the optimal nutrition source.
2006-06-06 03:12:09 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the breast until 1 year, however the World Health Organization recommends into the second year. It is the lucky child who gets to nurse until he/she is 2. I breastfed mine until she was 2 1/2 and introduced cow's milk at 12 mos but my friend who's child is the same age avoided cow's milk because she was concerned about the hormones. There are a lot of misinformation out there about breastfeeding, especially the length of time that is "appropriate".
2006-06-06 03:24:16 · update #1
Sure breast milk is the better of the 2, but don't you think you should stop breastfeeding when your child is 1 year old. Time to put them on a sippy cup!
2006-06-06 03:17:00 · answer #1 · answered by angel 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It is not necessary to introduce cow's milk at one year, or ever! Humans are the only mammals to drink another mammal's milk. Cow's milk is just an easy source of calcium, protein and vitamin D. There are other ways to fulfill these requirements. I am nursing my 10-month old and do not plan on introducing cow's milk in two months. When she's done nursing she can drink it if she likes it (which I personally do not), but I am not going to force her when there are other ways to get the same nutrition.
2006-06-06 21:25:16 · answer #2 · answered by all_my_armour_falling_down 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you are eating healthy you baby should be breast fed until two years of age. Though this isn't always ideal, it's what is recommended. If you are going to introduce cows milk, I would also suggest getting vitamin drops to place in the gallon. Don't drink it yourself, save it for baby. Also, the only hormones found in milk are also found in beast milk as well, so technically you aren't causing the child any harm when giving them cow's milk. The only hormone I've heard of that is additive to milk compared to breast milk is the bovine growth hormone. This has been shown in children to extend the growth spirt periods, and even premature puberty. It's not a harmful substance, but it's still one they shouldn't allow.
2006-06-06 18:42:59 · answer #3 · answered by ianr1984 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are good. Breast milk lack in fat but easily digestible. But as u will have to wean the child off the breast at around 3 yrs its better that u make ur child comfortable with cows milk
2006-06-06 10:22:08 · answer #4 · answered by BGM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋