I didn’t just get vaccinated for my own protection, but also for my son. The exciting news is that research indicates the antibodies from the COVID vaccine transfer through breast milk, offering my sweet boy a layer of protection.
Thinking Outside the Box for My Older Children
But what about my two older children? At ages five and three, they aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet. While we wait for that to change, I’ve had to think outside the box. It hit me that they could also benefit from those precious antibodies through my breast milk. I can’t take all the credit for this idea—my amazing sister-in-law suggested that if I had extra milk, I should share it with them. It was a lightbulb moment! I immediately mixed an ounce of my breast milk into their cups. It’s not a huge amount, but I believe it’s better than nothing.
I feel fortunate to continue nursing my baby boy while also sharing my extra milk with my older kids. Instead of starting the weaning process, I’m maintaining my usual routine, pumping when I can, and providing a little extra for all three of my children. Every morning, I sneak an ounce of breast milk into their cups without them knowing. I wonder if they would even care, but if it helps give them some antibodies against this relentless virus that has disrupted their lives, I’m all for it.
A Shift in Perspectives
It’s amusing how quickly our perspectives and parenting choices can shift. Just over a year ago, if you had told me I would be giving my two older children breast milk, I would have thought you were joking. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
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In summary, navigating parenting amidst a pandemic has led me to unconventional solutions for my family’s health. By sharing my breast milk with my older children, I hope to provide them with some added protection in these uncertain times, all while continuing to nurture my baby boy.