The benefits of breastfeeding are not unknown to any of us. Along with supplying essential nutrients for the baby’s development, it forms a loving bond between the mother and child. Science says breastmilk continues to benefit children right into adulthood. It’s no surprise then that breastmilk is also called “liquid gold.”
Whether you are a lactating mom or someone about to give birth, the importance of breastfeeding must have intrigued you for sure. We bring you 16 interesting facts about breastfeeding that you may not have known till now. If you are already breastfeeding your child, knowing these facts will assure you of the decision you made. And remember, breastfeeding does not only mean feeding at the breast. It also includes external pumping using a supplemental nursing system at your disposal.
Looking to have some fun? Treat the list as a test to check how many of these you already knew.
1. Babies that are breastfed have a reduced risk of several diseases later in life. Like, Type I and II diabetes, Hodgkin’s disease, Leukemia, Obesity, High blood pressure, High cholesterol levels, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Asthma, and Eczema.
2. Breastfeeding reduces women’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis significantly. The longer she breastfeeds, the higher the benefit. Doctors advise a minimum of 2 years of breastmilk to benefit both the mother and the child. That is why, some recommend adding a lactation protein powder to your supplement from lovemajka.com/. This protein powder will help you boost and produce the most nutritious milk for your baby.
3. You can burn approximately 500-600 calories per day breastfeeding your baby. This provides a golden opportunity for moms to go back to their pre-pregnancy weights postpartum.
4. Breast Milk has relaxing properties that calm the baby and puts them to sleep.
5. Breast milk contains antibodies and white blood cells that help your baby fight against infection. And, when you or your baby are sick, the amount of these cells in your breast milk increases.
6. The first thick yellowish milk of a mother is called Colostrum. It lines the baby’s intestinal tract, protecting it from any harmful bacteria right from the beginning.
7. Your diet plays a significant role in the taste and smell of your breast milk. Eating any foods with a strong scent, like garlic, influences the smell and taste of breastmilk.
8. It is a common misconception that large-breasted women have more breast milk compared to their smaller counterparts, postpartum. This is simply not true. The size of one’s breasts has no bearing on the quantity of milk one can produce.
9. Breast milk is in a constant state of flux. Meaning, your breast milk’s quality, and character keep changing over days, months, and even during a single session. Many women notice a watery bluish liquid when they first begin to nurse. This soon changes to a whiter, milkier, and fattier liquid to suit the needs of your growing baby.
10. Moms of premature babies produce breast milk with more protein, fat, and other minerals for bone and brain growth and the most protective factors to prevent illness and infection.
11. Breastfeeding releases the hormones oxytocin and prolactin, which help you bond better with the baby. The secretion of these hormones is another reason mothers who breastfeed have a low chance of developing postpartum depression.
12. All throughout pregnancy, your body prepares itself to feed the baby. The birth of a baby is the final signal it receives before producing milk. New moms initially complain of too much milk formation and painfully engorged breasts. This is because, from the get-go, your body does not know how many babies it has. It only comes to terms with your feeding pattern after a few days.
13. Breastfeeding protects babies from a lot of diseases during infancy. Like, respiratory tract infections, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, infant diarrhea, common colds, and flu.
14. A mother’s breast can detect even a degree’s difference in the body temperature of the baby. Breastfeeding allows the skin to skin contact between the mother and the child, which is crucial in the early days.
15. Babies are born with an innate sense of taste and smell. Even after a single feeding, your baby will recognize your scent and look to you when feeling hungry.
16. Breastfeeding is the body’s natural mechanism to heal and recover after delivery—women who breastfeed jump back to their pre-pregnancy states faster than others. The rate at which the uterus shrinks back to the original size is also a lot faster.
Wasn’t this mindboggling? How many of these did you know? We hope the list above has filled you with wonder. If there’s anything else, you would like to add, please let us know!
