Benefits of breast milk after a year?

[Throughautomaticdoors]

My dd is one in a couple of weeks and I've exclusively expressed for her since she was born after being a failure at proper breastfeeding as she was born early, in nicu, I was ill, didn't see her for two days etc etc

Anyway every four hours for a year plus an older child has nearly broken me. If I stop when she's one will it really make a huge difference? The only reason I'm considering keeping going is that ttere seems to be a lot of bugs around this year and I think her immune system is probably poor having been prem so I'd like to support her as much as I can.

Tbh for you personally I would stop now and go onto formula. Expressing is such hard work especially as they get bigger and things are so tough for you atm as it is. Its ok to stop.

Wow you've done brilliantly! Expressing is tough and you've got so far.

You're correct about the immunological benefits they continue for as long as you give breast milk.

However, once a baby is one they gradually drop the amount of milk they need as food intake grows. Also they are able to have ordinary cows milk as a drink although you can still give formula if you feel lo could benefit from it. As long as lo is happy to have the alternative drink I doubt it will make too much difference.

Your baby will be fine I would think with solids and milk/formula and even if you do stop you will probably want to do it gradually anyway to avoid discomfort for you so if you want you could keep just one feed for while so that you are still passing on the immunity.

You've already done an amazing job for her current and future health you should be very proud!

Bloody hell lady! Well done for making it to a year! Most don't get to that even without needing to pump. If you're ready to stop, stop. No need for formula at age one, cows milk will be fine in fact it's preferable as there's less sugar in it and hv don't like them to get a taste for it providing they have a balanced diet. Another option would just be to reduce the amount of breast milk you're pumping so you can have a bit more of a break. At that age mine we just having morning and bedtime feed unless ill as they were eating more and happy to take other fluids in the day. Well done again.

Bloody hell, you deserve a medal for managing to exclusively express for a year! If I were you I'd hang up my pump now with pride

I'm thinking the same thing at the moment. Don't worry about the immunity so much because they need to build their immune system themselves too. But you could always feed just in the nights before bed and/or mornings. See how it goes. Good luck with your decision

Oh my gosh - you def deserve a medal

There is loads of benefits still feeding beyond a year and yes it does build their immunity.

But, I think you can let yourself stop now?!

Maybe compromise and just express once a day?

Oh zombie thread!

Newmum - you need to start a new thread not comment on one a year old

Oh my gosh @Rainbowandraindrops67 I didn't even notice the year hahahahaha!!'