Child wont drink regular milk

Vanessa - posted on 10/14/2010

I got my lil guy onto Soy milk - he still hates anything from a cow but at least I know he's getting his requirements from the Soy - yoghurts etc.

Teresa - posted on 10/14/2010

I don't have that problem as my son loves milk, but milk is not necessary. They can get all the fat and calcuim they need from other food sources... especially since you are still breastfeeding.

Rachel - posted on 10/14/2010

Thanks all for the advice. I do plan to still breastfeed. The doctor feels she may not be getting enough based on her percentage. She is 3rd percentile for weight. So he thought still breastfeeding but giving some whole milk would be good for her. They don't want to see her go below 3%. However, my husband and I both agree she is very healthy just tiny (and very very active). I kinda figured if she wants it she will drink it.
I did think it was interesting how the pediatrician (we had a different ped. Then our regular doc since ours was on vacation) said she probably is not getting enough nutrients through breastmilk and it was acting as a pacifier. I thought that was so- wrong because if babies can technically live off just breastmilk alone for the first year then what those nutrients in the milk are depleted? I don't think so! Anyways, enough of my ranting. Thanks for the advice!

Catherine - posted on 10/14/2010

What Jennifer said is exactly on target. A breastfed baby does not need cows milk. I would definitely find out why the doctor wants her to have it, and if she really needs something from it, see if there's another way to get it. I do have friends who got their kids to drink milk by mixing breastmilk and whole milk and slowly reducing the amount of breastmilk. That might be something to try.



Good luck continuing to breastfeed. Unfortunately, the medical community is not as supportive of extended breastfeeding as they should be.

Jennifer - posted on 10/14/2010

while you are breastfeeding, you absolutely do not need to give her cow's milk. even if she were not breastfeeding, cows milk isn't needed as long as she is eating other foods that are high in calcium, and fat! yogurt and cheese are perfect if she likes them.

p.s. its awesome that you're still breastfeeding! human milk never stops being good for a human being, and is ALWAYS better than cow's milk!

Angie - posted on 10/14/2010

Whatever you do, don't add flavored syrups (chocolate or strawberry). They add empty calories and promote junk food in young children. Keep offerning milk and telling her that's it's milk and when you offer her juice or water tell her what it is too. In time, she'll understand the difference. If it's an issue of her not getting some nutrient, find out what it is. She might like yogurt or cheese and get whatever nutrient she is missing. I think it's odd that a doctor would suggest this but I'm not surprised.