Would you drink your own breastmilk?

[OperaDiva]

Ok so I know this is probably an odd question, but my mind works in bizarre ways. I know it helps babies get over colds and things faster when they breastfeed because there are antibodies to the virus in breastmilk, so in theory wouldn't drinking your own breastmilk do the same thing?

I am considering trying it because my sinuses are super swollen from the cold I'm coming down with, maybe just take an ounce or so a day. I wouldn't tell DH, he'd freak LOL. And no worries, I make enough for twins and only have 1 baby, I actually donate on milkshare, so I'm not depriving my baby.

What are your thoughts? Would you drink it, and under what circumstances?

[Ruthla]

I've tasted it, but I'd never actually drink it as a beverage or cook with it or anything like that. I voted "other".

[Plaid Leopard]

I voted yes - under certain circumstances.

When one of my ds was 18 months I went out of town without him for about three days. I was pumping to keep from getting engorged, and couldn't bear dumping all that beautiful milk down the drain - so I drank it. I can tell you, that was the BEST energy drink I have ever had! I felt so good and happy after downing about 6 ounces, and it tasted pretty good too! (hey, maybe I should be drinking it more often!)

[jess152]

It's worth a shot!!

[bandgeek]

Yes and I have. I tasted it once and I've used it in cooking (DS really wanted muffins and I was halfway done mixing the batter when I realized we were completely out of milk ). I wouldn't drink it just to drink it. I would need a reason. Mainly because every bit of it *should* go to the person who needs it the most....the baby. But I'm not weirded out or grossed out by it at all.

[sleepingbeauty]

I hear it doesn't taste too good.... but i'd try it.

[StrawberryFields]

*I* would never taste or drink my own breastmilk, so I voted no way. But if YOU want to drink your breastmilk, I think you should go ahead! Logically I think it makes a lot more sense to drink human milk than cow or goat milk. Since we are humans and all. I just really hate milk and could not imagine drinking it myself.

[*MamaJen*]

Originally Posted by jess152

It's worth a shot!!

Literally speaking.

[JamieCatheryn]

It's just your antibodies in it, I doubt drinking your own would help as far as that goes. But I've got nothing against consuming it if baby can't use it, or just tasting it to know what it's like. By the way it doesn't taste bad at all, just weird if you were expecting cow's milk or something.

[GoGoGirl]

I've tasted mine, but haven't had a glass of it or anything. Dh has though--I pump extra for him when he feels like he's coming down with something.

I've wondered about this too, whether I would get any benefits from drinking my own breastmilk. Wouldn't I already have any of the good stuff in it already in my body? Maybe it would make more sense to trade breastmilk with another mom, and spread around the good stuff!

In a situation like yours (and if I really had tons extra) I might try putting some up my nose. Hey, they say it works for babies, right? Fill up that neti pot!

[tykys]

Sorry in advance if this grosses anyone out...

When my DD was a baby I went on an overnight wine-tasting trip with a couple girlfriends. I brought my pump and was pumping and dumping (since I was winetasting I wasn't going to keep it). My friend saw it sitting in the bathroom and was intrigued (and buzzed LOL) and tried it. She said it tasted like cantelope.

[mambera]

I drank some of mine that had been out at room temperature too long. Sweet and a little chalky. I wouldn't drink fresh stuff bc I have low supply and the baby needs all she can get.

[Dov'sMom]

My sons' pediatrician insisted I pump some for myself and DH when Ds2 was 3 weeks old and DS1 (then 14 months) had pneumonia and DS2 was running a fever. She said it was hard enough to deal with two kids that age if they were sick and no sense not doing anything that could plausibly prevent us from getting sick too.

[MSinghsMama]

My DH is surprised i haven't tasted mine yet, i suppose i am too but i just can't bring myself to do it! Drinking human breastmilk does make a lot more sense than drinking cows milk, but i think because people consume other animal products it seems more 'normal' to drink their milk too.

As far as getting the antibodies i'd think you would already have the good stuff in your body. I'd still give it a try though as anymore wouldn't hurt! I watched a docu on it and there was a man who claimed drinking breastmilk kept his cancer away, and i can see how it could be so beneficial.

[EmilyG]

I voted no, I couldn't bring myself to do it, though I can't stand milk and couldn't bring myself to drink a glass of cows milk or even soy milk. Ewww! I guess if I were starving to death or somehting, though then I probably wouldn't have the milk to begin with.

I would think since it's your own antibodies, drinking it wouldn't help much, though it's worth a try. I'd think dripping a little up your nose would be more beneficial for your sinus pain/pressure.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

In your situation, I'd neti pot with it. Or put some drops of it in your nose.

[boobs4milk]

Originally Posted by sleepingbeauty

I hear it doesn't taste too good.... but i'd try it.

then why would you give it to your baby??? i've tasted mine and it's like a very sweet runny milk shake. i don't feed my kids anything i don't eat.

[OperaDiva]

I did both put some up my nose, and I drank about an ounce of it. Didn't taste half bad, like milk but a tad sweeter and without the "cow" taste if that makes sense. In fact I think I prefer it to cow milk, but I prefer soymilk to both :-)

And yes, my cold is a lot better today actually LOL

[GreenGranolaMama]

I've tried it but I didn't think it tasted that great... I did start making no bake cookies only to discover we were out of milk... I had a huge stash of EBM in the freezer so I used some of it... and (not knowing there was breastmilk in them) DH said they were the best ones he has ever had

[madeleines_mom]

No I wouldn't. Nothing against anyone who would or anything, just not for me! Maybe if it was for survival then obviously, but my breastmilk is only for my baby, that's it.

However I did make muffins for DD once and put BM in it. I ate a couple muffins, so did DH.