MCHN advice about cow's milk for 12 month old

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Hi Girls

My DS is now 12 months. While at the baby clinic the MCHN said that I should wean him off breastmilk and put him on cow's milk. She couldn't explain to me why the cow's milk was better for my DS than breastmilk - is there actually any reason why cow's milk would be better?

The advice really didn't sound very plausable to me but I thought I would check. (She did also tell me that if he didn't like the cow's milk to give him toddler formula )

My DS is no where near weaning from the breast, he has definatly claimed them as his and I am sure will not be letting go for sometime. However, thought I would just check.

[Persephone1]

I don't think cow's milk is better at all.

It is possible however, that she meant that it's okay to give cow's milk after 12 months - before then it's not recommended. It doesn't mean you should give it (and I don't see why you would substitute BF with cow's milk), just that it's okay to give it then, ifkwim? I read something today that said that if FF your baby, you should use a non-cow's milk formula up to 12 months.

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Persephone: she definatly meant stop bf and replace with cow's milk. She also said something about 'there are people out there who think its ok to bf till they are two, blah blah, but you need to put him on cow's milk'. That is almost verbatim what she said!!

Been there done that with MCHN advice before so I wasn't about to take it as gospel, just wanted to find out if there was actually any logic to what she was saying.

Shanti: I didn't know that about toddler formula having more sugar - good to know, thanks.

[onthefly]

She really seems to have her wires crossed or something It's very strange advice.

[Heaven]

Yeah those people out there who think it's ok to breastfeed until two are crazy

What a complete nutter!! That's what the WHO recommends and what she should be telling people!!

No idea why she would think that milk made for cows would be better than your perfect milk specifically made for your little one.

Keep up the good work!

[Sterla]

What strange (and frankly, quite bad) advice to give.

My DS is almost 20 months old, and he doesn't have cows milk as a drink - he doesn't need it. He has cows milk on cereal, and has had the a small amount to taste, but I don't offer it as a drink - it's booby or water all the way to drink here . Sounds like your DS knows what he wants anyway .

[MummaSue]

OMG , she sounds like my mother!! "when you gonna stop breast feeding that baby?" *sigh*

[Snowy Love]

Persephone: she definatly meant stop bf and replace with cow's milk. She also said something about 'there are people out there who think its ok to bf till they are two, blah blah, but you need to put him on cow's milk'. That is almost verbatim what she said!!

Those people are called the World Health Organisation!

[*Ash*]

Those people are called the World Health Organisation!

Yes, exactly!

[jessicakate]

What horrible advice. Personally I believe that some of these MCHN's were put into these positions years ago and just left there to spread their old fashioned ideas, never receiving updated training and information. Also some people just like to make mum's who are doing a fab job, feel crappy and uncertain about themselves, although I can't see what they get out of being like that. surely anyone in the industry must know that WHO recommend bfing til age 2 and beyond. Sounds like you and your little boy know more than she does, and also don't forget that drinking a cup of cows milk doesn't give your child that same wonderful feeling as snuggling up to mummy for a little mummy milk (it's not just about the feeding aspect). Enjoy!

[Taurean]

OMG!

Keep on BF!!! If you or your DS are ready to BF then by all means, move onto cows milk but otherwise keep doing the fabulous thing that you're doing!! Cows milk is no where near as good as breast milk and toddlers formula just isn't necessary at all! I think you should change health care centres, she sounds like an old nutter!

[ss_storm]

If you're breastfeeding and are happy to continue doing so then I wouldn't wean him onto cow's milk. No harm in giving it to him on cereal or similar, but if you are both satisfied BF then keep going!
I'm certain breastmilk would be better for him than cow's milk anyway!

[MrsB26]

um, i would keep breastfeeding him if thats working for you both. Why on earth would she think that cows milk or toddler formula would be better for him than your breastmilk which is made for humans?!?
My ds was still breasrfed at 12 months but was having cows milk at daycare 2 x days per week as i couldnt (and couldnt be bothered either) express enough.
It just my opinion but i think she is wrong. I had so many issues with the MCHN nurse in my area that i only went twice and didnt bother going back, i would suggest you follow your mummies instincts

[Shanti]

What a joke! I can't believe that MCHN told you that *tisk tisk* to that mchn.... very un-educated person.

Yes, keep on BF if that is what you wish to keep doing - it is the best thing for your child.

Toddler formula has alot more sugar in it than cow's milk and isn't necessary.

[Lily Dust]

OMG are you seeing the same MCHN as me! I think the MCHNs that are saying these things are of 'old school' beliefs and are thinking that a 1 year old is 'too big for booby', that just IMO as I cant see any other easoning behind it. Why spend money on toddler formula when you have milk on tap
Do what you are comfortable with hun, but if you and DS are both happy to keep going with your BFing journey then continue along until the time comes that you are ready to move on. Great job feeding for 1 whole year hope you are very proud!

[onthefly]

Cows milk is great for baby cows, and your milk is great for your baby. Toddler formula is completely unecessary.
Sounds like you and your baby know what's best anyway Happy birthday to your little man

[*Ash*]

Human breastmilk is great for human babies, and cows milk is great for calves! There are many benefits to extended bf (breastfeeding beyond 12 months). Cows milk is vastly inferior to your breastmilk. If you are happy with your breastfeeding relationship continuing, then go for it! I recommend a book called 'Mothering Your Nursing Toddler' by Norma J. Bumgarner.