Does breastmilk help older kids with sickness?

The Role of Breast Milk in Supporting Older Children During Illness
Breast milk is often heralded for its numerous benefits to infants, but its potential advantages for older children, particularly during sickness, is a topic that garners less attention. As parents navigate the complexities of childhood illnesses, the question arises: can breast milk still play a role in the health of older kids?
Adaptation of Breast Milk During Illness
One of the remarkable features of breast milk is its ability to adapt to the needs of the child, especially during times of illness. Research indicates that when a breastfeeding mother is exposed to pathogens, her body produces antibodies and other immune factors that are transferred to her milk. This process is particularly beneficial for infants, as it helps bolster their immune systems against infections. However, this adaptability raises the question of whether older children can also benefit from breast milk during sickness.
Breast Milk for Older Children: A Nutritional Perspective
While breast milk is primarily designed for infants, it can still provide nutritional benefits to older children. The composition of breast milk includes essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that can aid in recovery from illness. For instance, the presence of immunoglobulins in breast milk can help fight infections, potentially offering some level of protection to older children who consume it.
Moreover, the emotional and psychological comfort that comes from breastfeeding can also play a role in recovery. The act of breastfeeding fosters a sense of security and bonding, which can be particularly soothing for a child feeling unwell.
Practical Considerations and Cultural Context
In many cultures, extended breastfeeding is common, and mothers may continue to provide breast milk to their toddlers and older children. This practice can be especially beneficial during times of illness, as the nutritional and immune-boosting properties of breast milk can support recovery. However, it is essential to consider the individual circumstances of each family. Some mothers may find it challenging to continue breastfeeding as their children grow, while others may embrace it as a natural part of their parenting journey.
Conclusion: A Complementary Approach
In conclusion, while breast milk is primarily tailored for infants, it can still offer benefits to older children, particularly during illness. The immune-boosting properties and nutritional content of breast milk can aid in recovery, while the emotional comfort it provides can be invaluable. As parents weigh their options during their child’s sickness, considering the inclusion of breast milk, if feasible, may be a beneficial complement to other forms of care and nutrition.

Can I give my older children breastmilk?

Analysis of mother’s milk shows that a mother who delivers a newborn does produce colostrum and milk designed to meet the needs of the newborn, even though the mother is still nursing a toddler. This offers the desired advantages for the newborn but no adverse consequences for the older child.

Do breastfeeding moms get sick less?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.

Should you breastfeed a 7 year old?

But people should be informed that nursing a 6-7+year-old is a perfectly normal and natural and healthy thing to be doing for the child, and that their fears of emotional harm are baseless.”

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.

Can breast milk help a toddler with flu?

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby, even if you take antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. Breast milk is custom-made for babies, providing antibodies that babies need to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting.

Can a 4 year old benefit from breast milk?

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 I give my 4 year old breastmilk when sick?

You can and should continue breastfeeding while sick with certain illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, or diarrhea, or if you have a breast infection such as mastitis.

Can my husband drink my breast milk?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.

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

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.”

Does breast milk help with congestion?

Here are a few easy home remedies to help a congested baby: Breast milk: It doesn’t get more natural—or easier—than this. “A drop or two in the nose can help loosen congestion,” says Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP, a Los Angeles–based pediatrician.