Is it weird if...?

Question

I am pregnant 33 weeks with our second baby (it's a boy!) We have a 2 yr old daughter already.
Would it be weird for me to give her breastmilk whilst I am feeding our son? I dont mean let her breastfeed ..I mean if I pumped and gave it to her in a glass (if she wanted it, of course) I was only able to breastfeed her for about 3 weeks due to health problems (that I hope I dont have this time).. I know she got the colstrum(sp?)..
I just think she might want to have some of the milk for the sake of being like her little brother... Is that wierd?

maybe i do feel guilty, but I am more interesting really in giving her the nutrition out of it more than anything....
You guys are right in saying that I shouldnt give it to her based on whether she wants it because her brother has it.. My mind is wrong in that sense.
Thank ya'll for ur answers.

interested**

Answer 1

Not weird at all! Plenty of moms give their older children breastmilk on cereal or in a cup. And there are a lot of two year olds out there who are still nursing. As others said, your milk is better for her than milk made for baby cows!

I wouldn't give her the milk so she can be like her brother, but so she can have a nutritious treat! As long as your body is making enough milk for both, there's no concern. Milk production works on supply and demand, so if you are pumping extra to give your daughter, your body should make enough for both children.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope all goes well, and you are able to nurse your son. Nursing your baby is a wonderful thing both both of you.

Answer 2

Personally I don't think it would hurt her. In fact breast milk is delicious to toddlers and packed full of vitamins and minerals that are easily absorbed into her system. Ive heard it been described at melted ice cream.If you want to or if she asks go ahead. Lots of moms still nurse their little ones at this age and their is nothing wrong with giving her your breast milk if you like. Rule of thumb is always to feed the little one first then pump for the older one if you wish. I was thinking of going back to work when my DD is 1 year and then breastfeeding and pumping. Hope it works well for you ! And of course there will be people who say its weird. Just like some people feel breastfeeding is weird, breastfeeding in public is weird or breastfeeding a baby over the age of 6 months is weird. Its really up to you and your family! I think its great! Congrats on your little one!

Answer 3

It wouldn't hurt her. I would wait at least a week to give her any because the first weeks milk is very important to your newborn (like you said the cons.. however you spell it)
Besides your breasts work on a supply and demand theory. The more you pump out, and breastfeed to your baby, the more milk your body will make.
Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 4

"Weird," no. "Healthy," yes. It makes no sense that a cow's milk would be better nutrition for your daughter.

"Breast milk continues to provide substantial amounts of key nutrients well beyond the first year of life, especially protein, fat, and most vitamins."
-- Dewey 2001
In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
29% of energy requirements
43% of protein requirements
36% of calcium requirements
75% of vitamin A requirements
76% of folate requirements
94% of vitamin B12 requirements
60% of vitamin C requirements
-- Dewey 2001
Studies done in rural Bangladesh have shown that breastmilk continues to be an important source of vitamin A in the second and third year of life.
-- Persson 1998
It's not uncommon for weaning to be recommended for toddlers who are eating few solids. However, this recommendation is not supported by research..."

Nursing toddlers between the ages of 16 and 30 months have been found to have fewer illnesses and illnesses of shorter duration than their non-nursing peers (Gulick 1986).
"Antibodies are abundant in human milk throughout lactation" (Nutrition During Lactation 1991; p. 134). In fact, some of the immune factors in breastmilk increase in concentration during the second year and also during the weaning process. (Goldman 1983, Goldman & Goldblum 1983, Institute of Medicine 1991)."

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

Answer 5

I actually know a lot of people who do this. Some use breast milk on their older child's cereal, and some just give it in a cup.

And I've known some who ended up nursing again. Like if they nursed their older child until 2 or so, then had a baby, the child wanted to start nursing again.

So no, I don't think it's weird at all!

Answer 6

Depending on when you weaned, she may not remember nursing. She may be curious as the what is coming from your breast and how it tastes. Give her a drink in a cup if she asks. I know some 2 year olds who are still nursing. Not weird at all.

Answer 7

I don't think it's weird, but I'm a huge fan of extended breastfeeding. There are many women out there who breastfeed up until age three or older. You do whatever feels right for you and your family. That's what's important.

Answer 8

There's nothing wrong with doing that. Why give her milk that was meant for a baby cow, when you have milk meant for humans? It's much healthier, anyway.

Answer 9

It may be weird to some people, but if you make enough milk, it certainly won't hurt her. I have even heard of people making popsicles out of it to give to the older child. Just be sure to warn your husband...

Answer 10

Honestly, it does sound a bit odd to me; but, I do know of countries where they breastfeed their children even through 5/6 years old. However, in your case, it just sounds like you feel bad, like you robbed her of something you feel was important to her (bc of your health issues) and want to make up for it now. Please, don't feel bad...however, I would ask the Dr.