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Breastfeeding Secretes and Facts You Might Didn’t Know About.

Anat Furstenberg

By Anat Furstenberg

BabyPillars·3 min read

Breastfeeding secrets and facts for mothers and babies

If you’ve ever wondered why breastfeeding is so good for both moms and babies, keep reading! This compilation of facts and figures will go into some of breastfeeding’s most fascinating and remarkable features — and some breastfeeding secrets you might not have known before.

We all know that breast milk is the best nutrition for a newborn, and that any amount of breast milk a mother can or chooses to give her child is beneficial. We think that being well-educated about breastfeeding is the best policy, and we urge parents to make informed feeding decisions.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for newborns and toddlers since it has unique characteristics that aid in their development. Breast milk significantly strengthens a baby’s immune system, assisting in the battle against viral, bacterial, and parasitic illnesses. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower a child’s risk of illness later in life.

Melatonin (to help newborns sleep), Leptin (to manage weight, appetite, and build a healthy gut microbiome), Endorphins (to offer comfort and lessen discomfort), and Oxytocin are all found in breast milk. Breast milk has a somewhat different flavor depending on the mother’s diet — this prepares newborns to consume a range of solid meals by allowing them to become used to diverse flavors.

Breastfeeding encourages healthy weight growth in children and helps to avoid obesity. Breastfed newborns have higher levels of Leptin in their bodies than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a hormone that controls hunger and fat storage. Breastfed babies are also better at eating only until they’re full, which aids in the development of good eating habits for later in life.

Breastfeeding secrets and facts

There may be a difference in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed newborns. This disparity might be related to the physical closeness, touch, and eye contact that come with nursing, as well as the nutritional content. Breastfed newborns have higher cognitive ratings and are less likely to have behavioral issues or learning challenges as they grow older. Breastfeeding has a substantial favorable impact on a baby’s long-term brain development.

Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of stomach issues, ear infections, respiratory infections, asthma, and diarrhea in children. Even if moms are unwell, it is beneficial for them to keep on breastfeeding — antibodies produced by the human body during illness can be passed on to infants, protecting them from becoming ill as well.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mothers

Breast milk is a smart substance that changes composition as your baby develops, ensuring that your baby’s requirements are met at all times. Your body produces colostrum from the time your baby is born until around day three — this ‘liquid gold’ is abundant in protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as white blood cells to help your baby fight infection.

Breastfeeding lowers the incidence of ovarian and breast cancer, as well as heart disease and osteoporosis in the mother. The greater the advantage, the longer she breastfeeds. Due to the production of the "feel-good" hormone oxytocin, breastfeeding can also lower a woman’s risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding releases hormones that help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.

Breastfeeding can assist a mother in regaining her pre-baby weight. Breast milk requires an average of 1,000 calories each day to produce. Mama’s body is continuously producing the ideal amount of milk for her baby. As a baby develops, the nutritional composition of milk changes — milk made for a 3-month-old is different than for a 9-month-old.

Your breast milk is as individual as your child — it was created by your body to fulfill their specific requirements. It even has its own distinct scent! Your baby has an excellent sense of smell and can detect whether or not your milk is intended for them. Mama’s breasts can also sense even a one-degree difference in her baby’s body temperature and adapt to warm or cool them as needed.

Over 75% of women make more milk in their right breast. Breastfeeding is also the most cost-effective option — you won’t have to spend money on formula, clean and sterilize bottles, or mix and warm up bottles in the middle of the night. Breast milk is always at a comfortable temperature and ready to consume. Breastfeeding mothers sleep an average of 45 minutes longer each night than formula-feeding mothers.

Getting Help with Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a skill that both you and your baby must master over time, so don’t give up if it doesn’t come easily at first. There are many options available if you are experiencing discomfort, latch issues, or have any other breastfeeding difficulties — don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance if you need it.

If you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear them!

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