Whether you decide to give your toddler cow’s milk, a nut-based milk, or simply rely on giving your child a balanced diet, we all know calcium is an important nutrient for our growing kiddos. I recently started breastfeeding my second child and quickly realized I was producing enough milk to give my toddler some of my breast milk again as well. I was curious to know if he would get enough calcium if I transitioned him completely from cow’s milk to breast milk. The short answer is: yes!
Our bodies are amazing. A mother’s body produces enough breast milk for a growing baby (or babies!). It ensures the milk has enough calcium to meet the needs of a growing human. Furthermore, the calcium in human milk has a higher absorption rate than other milks. In summary: Breast milk is a great source of calcium for your toddler too.
Now, the important part is taking care of your own body. Breast milk will contain as much calcium as needed and will not take any more or less from your body than needed. This means you need to make sure you are getting enough calcium in your own diet to support the calcium your body needs. If not, your body will take the calcium from your bones in order to provide for your child. You only get one body so take care of it! Make sure you’re taking a postnatal supplement and eating foods that are high in calcium such as yogurt and leafy greens.
Have you given your toddler breast milk? How did that experience go for you?