So children need milk...

[Babieseverywhere]

...what kind of milk and for how long ?

Thread from the food section

Probably because we have to pay for cows milk. I know that sounds perverse, but by setting a price on something, it turns into a value as well. And then there's the fact that it is women in society who provide breastmilk. And we all know how women have been historically valued...

There are others far more eloquent than me who can explain it in more depth, but that's what it boils down to I reckon.

BE, you read my mind, I was thinking the very same thing this morning. I guess I was thinking about how in the UK children are supposed to have x amount of milk per day for at least 5 years (as you say) but many cultures eat/drink little or no dairy at all (and are possibly healthier for it). I've always assumed it is just a cultural thing.

I remember reading (somewhere years ago so not to be relied upon) that young women benefit more in terms of preventing osteoporisis from eating plenty of fruit and veg rather than drinking milk.

I also had a question for you that I've been meaning to post re EC - will post in appropriate place

Otoh some very healthy cultures drink more milk than we do. Scandinavians drink enormous amounts of milk even in adulthood; in Sweden at least, milk is the standard mealtime drink for all ages.

Surely, it's just a question of where you prefer/find it easiest to get your calcium/vitamins etc. Historically, getting it from fruit and vegetables has not been so easy in countries where fruit and vegetables are only available in a limited selection for a short part of the year.

Cow's milk is still seen as the "norm" for much of society...especially once baby, as you said, hits a certain age (which will vary depending on who you ask).

The idea of breastmilk still carries some mysterious, slightly sexual, snicker behind the hand, avert the eyes, newborn only, kind of aura about it.

Cow's milk does provide a number of valuable nutrients, but it isn't technically necessary for being able to obtain those nutrients, it is just conveniently packaged and many children, and adults, enjoy it.

When you also throw in the history of its increased use as a replacement when breastfeeding fell out of favour, it is little wonder that its use maintains the influence that it does.

Well as babies/toddlers wean themselves off the breast, the mothers milk supply stops and decreases therefore the only alternative is cows milk. HOwever the mum could express the milk into a cup for older children, espcially if bf a younger child. Mabey that is not thought about, I dont know.

Imagine if men were the ones to produce milk - what a different story it would be.

I'm seeing a line up of men having a lactating competition.

do you mean like how far can you squirt milk across the room?

Not so far fetched apparently KingRolo!:
www.guardian.co.uk/society/2005/jun/15/childrensservices.familyandrelationships

Interesting article.

I will tell DH that the 2am feed is his from now on.

pigletmania on Thu 28-May-09 15:25:36
"Well as babies/toddlers wean themselves off the breast, the mothers milk supply stops and decreases therefore the only alternative is cows milk."

Well, not really. There are huge sectors of the human population who cannot digest cow's milk, so have to find other alternatives. And the use of cow's milk is a fairly recent development in human history, even for the relatively small part of the world that have traditionally used it.