PDA

View Full Version : Is it OK to feed a newborn BM that is made for a 5 yr old?

BrittBBT
03-23-2011, 03:27 PM
If I mama is nursing her 5 yr old and is adopting a newborn, is it OK to nurse the newborn? Meaning, will the breastmilk have enough nutrients for a newborn??:headscratch:
Mama_scoutski
03-23-2011, 03:30 PM
i was wondering this also... thinking of adopting when youngest is two.. subbing.
Mobrevic
03-23-2011, 03:49 PM
I would think so....my friend got pregnant within 3 wks of having her baby and Dr asked her if she planned on nursing 2 when she was in the end of her pregnancy....he never said it was a bad idea. She did nurse both for about 6 months and they are both fine. i would think he woulda discouraged it if it was not ok.
Nickel+3
03-23-2011, 03:52 PM
It might be hard in the beginning because newborns need the colostrum to start off, but I think any BM would be better than none.
nceveritt
03-23-2011, 03:58 PM
I think your body will adapt to individual needs. Isn't that the whole concept of breastmilk? Granted, I don't know HOW it would figure that out since you won't be the pregnant one, but like many others have said, any BM is better than none. Your body would naturally pick up supply (I'd think) when you start tandem nursing.
FWIW, I nursed my DD through the end of my pregnancy, DS got colostrum at birth, and then it switched back to mature milk. Our bodies are amazing things!
froggymiamore
03-23-2011, 04:01 PM
you might need to supplement for a week or so, just until your body understands this is a newborn, not a child, and the milk needs much more fat it in. not 100% sure on this, but it sounds good. :thumbsup:
Nerissa
03-23-2011, 04:02 PM
Why is the 5yr old still nursing is my question- what is the benifit?
CEVmommy
03-24-2011, 01:04 PM
I think that once the newborn starts nursing, the frequency of the nursing will increase the milk supply, and that will tell the mother's body to make milk for the newborn with the appropriate fat/protein content. The mother may have to supplement until her supply catches up with demand, but if she knows in advance when the baby will come, she can probably pump to increase supply in advance.
seacat
03-24-2011, 01:12 PM
Honestly I would definately ask my ped or naturopath about this. The milk that my body produced for a newborn after I would pump and it would all settle out was about half fat, half milk. If I look at my milk now that DS is a year there is just a small layer of fat across the top and the color is much different as well. I think that nutritionally the milk is very different.
foxynursejo
03-24-2011, 01:22 PM
I think the baby would be just fine. it's better for the babe than formula.
KristieW
03-24-2011, 02:06 PM
It is absolutely fine. The body will notice the increase in nursing and change the content of the milk appropriately. For more info, see LLL or Kellymom.
KristieW
03-24-2011, 02:07 PM
Honestly I would definately ask my ped or naturopath about this. The milk that my body produced for a newborn after I would pump and it would all settle out was about half fat, half milk. If I look at my milk now that DS is a year there is just a small layer of fat across the top and the color is much different as well. I think that nutritionally the milk is very different.

Most peds know next to nothing about the mechanics of BFing. Better to talk to LLL or a LC.
KristieW
03-24-2011, 02:07 PM
Why is the 5yr old still nursing is my question- what is the benifit?

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html
BrittBBT
03-24-2011, 04:17 PM
I figured it was better than formula! The baby will have the colostrum and the bio moms milk for the first week or so. Bio mom will also be offering to pump and ship.
Cjolley
03-24-2011, 08:55 PM
I would agree with the lady about asking the LC or LLL. I just remember being told not to freeze my breastmilk or plan to use it too long after being frozen because the needs of a 6 month old are different than a 1 month old. So, I'd be interested in your question, too. It is amazing how your body can adjust to things, but I'd make sure from someone who knows if it will be adjusting the way it truly needs to be.
foxynursejo
03-24-2011, 09:00 PM
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/ebf-benefits.html

:thumbsup:
jeebee
03-24-2011, 09:28 PM
It sounds brilliant to me! It seems like hte body will adjust to the needs of the baby, especially if she is breastfeeding directly, not only pumping. As long as weight gain is good... I would say great. If you think about it, this is basically what a wet-nurse is. A mother that was still bfing their child (generally now an older child) who would take over bfing duties from the mother. And even better if the baby can get colostrum from the birth mother as well!