Would this be strange?

The twins got breastmilk until 14 months of age. Part of the reason for weaning then was my first trimester of this pregnancy was almost complete and nursing was getting uncomfortable. There wasn't much milk left and DS (the only one still nursing) was able to wean easily. It was smooth for all of us.

The new baby is due next month and I plan on pumping in addition to nursing him/her. If my supply is anything like what it was with the twins I will have plenty of extra milk.
I asked DH with the winter/cold & flu season coming up if he thought it would be odd for me to use my extra breastmilk to mix in the twins oatmeal/eggs/ other food products.
They will be 21 months old and will have had a 7 month break from receiving breastmilk. He thought it was a little odd but could understand my reasoning behind it.
Lots of 21 month olds are still getting breastmilk (and right from the source!) so would it be strange for me to mix it into their food?

I'd love to continue giving them the benefits!

 

I think it's a great idea, and would do it for sure if I had milk right now.

 

its a great idea! especially in light of the flu season! you're one smart momma! now... maybe your dh should think it strange if you mix it into the oatmeal for the WHOLE family... for him to be included ...

 

People definitely do that. Go for it!

 

Hey, I think that's a great idea! Why not give them that immunity boost when you have it right there?

I wouldn't cook with it/mix it into their food, though. I'd think that heating it that much might damage all the good stuff in the milk. Plus there would probably be more waste with any uneaten/spilled food. I'd just give it to them straight up in their sippies. It's so sweet and yummy, they'll probably love it as is!

 

It's a great idea... but I agree with Holly... they'd get more of the beneficial compounds if you leave the milk cold. They'll probably love it in sippies.

 

Glad to see there are others think just as "innovative" as I do
Dh didnt say he was against, just that it was a little odd but like anything else he's sure it would be fine. LOL

 

I don't think it's weird. Go for it! However, I think they'd only receive immunities to strains of the cold or flu that you've had.

 

I wonder if they'd get more than that, though. We probably carry plenty of viruses without getting sick - get the virus, make antibodies before it can knock you out, and never know about it. There are also viruses that have a long incubation period (ie long delay between contracting the virus and showing symptoms).

Go mama! Oh, and I like your DH's attitude.

 

I think you are lucky to have extra milk! I would certainly do the same if I were in your position. But I agree that I'd be warey of heating it too much. I'd try it in a sippy, and if they take it like that, fine. Or add it cold to cool down, thin out the oatmilk. Or introduce cold cereal with milk.

 

I think it's a great idea, I had a huge milk supply and did the same thing with my 3 year old while I was nursing my twins.

 

bolding mine

The milk comes warm! :ibiggrin: You can just mix it into their oatmeal, or add it to the cow/goat/soy/rice/whatever milk you use on cold cereal. But using it in baked goods might make it less beneficial.

 

During flu season especially, I would love to give my kids any extra immunity! Your little ones are so lucky you can do this!

 

Absolutely! If you have it, give it to them. Happy anniversary!

 

I was wondering about this myself - actually I was wondering what I am supposed to do if/when they ask to nurse. DS is obsessed with boobs - all of them - but esp. mine since I have been prego. I say if you have the supply why not - free milk how frugal!

 

I think it is a great idea!

 

Great idea! What lucky toddlers!

 

There are 2 trains of thought on this.

1 is that you can let them "try" but 99% of the time they wont remember/wont be able to latch.

the second is that you can explain that they are big boy/big girl and that the milk is for the baby. Then offer to do another exciting 1 on 1 type of activity with them.

 

I did almost the exact same thing, only I wasn't able to nurse my twins past 3 months. When my son was born the twins were 18 months old. At first I was pumping extra, and I would mix it with the twins' regular milk (they tried BM plain and said they didn't like it LOL) to give them extra immunities..

I even toyed with the idea of starting them nursing again, but alas, that didn't go through (never even tried, just 'thought' about it)

I will tell you though, that just becuase you produced lots of milk with the twins, doesn't mean you will with your singleton. I was ALWAYS engorged when I was pumping/BFing the twins. With my son though, despite my best efforts to pump after every nursing session, my strict 3 hour pumping schedule at work, extra food/supplements, etc. I could never produce the amount that I did with the twins. I was able to pump enough extra that I got a decent freezer stash going, but then around 8 months that stash dissappeared as my milk seemed to decline rapidly, again despite my best efforts not to let it happen.


Good luck, and I think it's GREAT that you're planning that!