10 Surprising Reasons To Breastfeed Your Baby

In recent years, research has confirmed that breast milk is truly a remarkable food that cannot be duplicated anywhere, especially not in a laboratory. In 1997 the American Academy of Pediatrics adopted a policy statement recommending that children receive breast milk for twelve months or more. In addition to the unique components of breast milk itself is the rich emotional bond that is forged between a mother and her baby each time the child is  nurtured at her mother’s breast.  Here are some interesting facts about this remarkable part of the human anatomy and process of breastfeeding that you may not know.

1. Breast milk changes in flavor based on what the mother eats and therefore introduces the baby to different tastes.
2. Breastfeeding lowers an infant’s risk of SIDS by about half.
3. People who have not given birth can produce breast milk through consistent pumping and massaging of the breasts.
4. Breastfeeding shortly after birth can help control postpartum hemorrhage.
5. Breast milk is filled with special components that are anti-bacterial and can fight off infection.
6. Breastfeeding lowers a mothers risk of breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression.
7. The composition of breast milk will differ based on the sex of your baby. Males require additional fat and protein. Females consume more lowfat milk per meal and will nurse longer.
8. Montgomery glands located on the areola produce a natural lubricant that smells like amniotic fluid and is attractive to the newborn baby.
9. Breastfeeding can save a family more than $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 in formula related expenses during the baby’s first year alone.
10. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, the “love” hormone into the Mother’s and baby’s bloodstreams providing them both with a unique bonding experience.

 

References: DONA International Magazine August, 2017 Sharon Muza

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