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Ever wondered why prenatal classes have a breastfeeding segment to them? It’s because breast milk is literally liquid gold for babies. As a new parent, it’s important to understand its significance in your child’s life and development.
Considering the essential nature of breast milk for babies, it’s a good idea for parents to learn as much about it as they can. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most fascinating facts about breast milk for new parents to enjoy. Keep reading to learn more.
- Breast Milk Contains a Medley of Important Hormones
Have you ever wondered why a hurt baby immediately settles when you feed them breast milk? It’s because breast milk passes endorphins to your baby that keep them feeling content while easing any pain.
Along with those feel-good endorphins, the hormone melatonin is also passed to your baby. This is this hormone that controls our sleep-wake routines, and this is what makes breast milk more suitable for children than even the best formula for newborns.
Of course, where breastfeeding isn’t possible, formula is a perfectly good substitute that offers all the nutrition a baby needs.
Mothers Are Capable of Producing the Best Food for Your Baby
The fact that your body can produce all the nourishment your baby needs is one of the most profound miracles of life. Breast milk contains every one of the essential nutrients that your baby needs to grow and develop.
What’s more, the act of breastfeeding helps to strengthen the relationship between mother and child. Not only are you a source of nourishment for your baby, but you’re actively forming an unbreakable bond with them.
Breast Milk Protects Your Baby From Illnesses
Towards the end of a pregnancy, the body produces colostrum, which contains up to five million white blood cells. White blood cells provide protection against illnesses, so you can imagine how much protection you are offering your little bundle of joy just by breastfeeding them.
Feed Colostrum First, Then Mature Milk
Most people don’t know this, but a mother’s body produces milk in a manner that adapts to the baby’s changing needs. The first milk your body produces during the last trimester is called colostrum, and as mentioned in the last point, this is a big part of helping your baby’s immune system.
About two weeks after giving birth, your mature milk will be produced, and it contains an amalgamation of fats, vitamins, and zinc. These are all vital ingredients that your growing baby needs. The fat content contained in your breast milk will continue to change to meet your growing baby’s needs.
Bacteria Transfer Is Important
The thought of transferring bacteria to your baby may make you shudder, but when bacteria from your breast milk passes to your baby, it actually helps with the little one’s immune system development.
- Milk Has a Distinct but Ever-Changing Flavor
Mothers who suffer from swollen breast glands might notice that their babies seem reluctant to drink. That’s because breast milk can get sour and babies can actually smell the change.
The mature milk produced tastes slightly vanilla in flavor, and your baby is bound to enjoy the taste. To make sure that your breast milk continues to taste great, stay clear of spicy food and extreme flavors. Remember, everything you eat can be tasted by your baby in the form of your breast milk!
Breast milk has the ability to tell a story, passing an intricate narrative from you down to your baby. Make the most of this special time, and appreciate your ability to nourish your child in this way.
