Does breastmilk help older kids when sick?

The Role of Breast Milk in Supporting Sick Older Children
Breast milk is often heralded for its numerous benefits to infants, particularly in terms of nutrition and immune support. However, the question arises: does breast milk continue to provide benefits for older children when they fall ill? The answer is nuanced and rooted in the unique properties of breast milk.
Nutritional and Immune Benefits
Breast milk is rich in antibodies and other immune-boosting components that can help protect infants from infections. When a breastfeeding mother is sick, her body produces specific antibodies in response to her illness, which are then transferred to her baby through her milk. This adaptive response is particularly beneficial for infants, as it helps them build immunity against the pathogens their mother is exposed to.
For older children, while the direct immune benefits of breast milk may not be as pronounced as they are for infants, there are still significant advantages. Older children can still derive nutritional benefits from breast milk, which contains essential nutrients that support overall health and recovery. This is especially important when a child is sick and may have a reduced appetite or difficulty consuming solid foods.
Comfort and Emotional Support
Beyond the physical benefits, breastfeeding provides emotional comfort. For older children who are unwell, the act of breastfeeding can be soothing and reassuring. It fosters a sense of security and connection, which can be particularly valuable during times of illness. The comfort derived from breastfeeding can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making the recovery process smoother.
Breast Milk for Older Children: A Unique Perspective
Interestingly, some adults have turned to breast milk for its purported health benefits. Reports indicate that breast milk is being used by some adults with serious illnesses, such as cancer, to help alleviate symptoms and support their immune systems. This suggests that the beneficial properties of breast milk may extend beyond infancy, although the scientific community continues to explore these claims.
Conclusion
In summary, while the primary benefits of breast milk are most pronounced for infants, older children can still gain nutritional and emotional support from breastfeeding when they are sick. The unique composition of breast milk, combined with the comfort it provides, can play a role in helping older children navigate their illnesses. As always, parents should consult healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their child’s health and well-being.

Will breastmilk help my sick toddler?

Should I breastfeed if my child is sick? Continue to breastfeed your child if they become ill. Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system, and your antibodies are passed to them through breastmilk, helping them to fight infections.

Can I give my toddler breastmilk when sick?

Continue to breastfeed your child if they become ill. Breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system, and your antibodies are passed to them through breastmilk, helping them to fight infections.

Does breast milk benefit older children?

Although there has been little research done on children who breastfeed beyond the age of two, the available information indicates that breastfeeding continues to be a valuable source of nutrition and disease protection for as long as breastfeeding continues.

Can a 5 year old benefit from breast milk?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”

Can you use breastmilk over a year old?

Breast milk can be stored at 0° F or colder for up to 12 months, although using it within 6 months is best.

Can I give breast milk to my 5 year old while?

AAP supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed for “up to 2 years and beyond.”

Can you give your older child breast milk when sick?

Breastmilk continues to complement and boost your child’s immune system. Whilst breastfeeding is no guarantee that a toddler won’t become ill, it can help reduce the severity of any illness. When he is ill, breastmilk may be the only food or drink he can manage, especially during bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Can you give an older sibling breast milk?

Sharing breast milk informally is a potentially unsafe practice, but one that some parents resort to in an effort to give their infant the best nutrition possible.

Can I give breast milk to my 5 year old?

AAP supports continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond, as mutually desired by mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed for “up to 2 years and beyond.”

At what age is breast milk no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.