Breast milk is an incredible substance that contains living cells, including stem cells. These stem cells can transform into various types of body cells, such as those found in the brain, heart, kidneys, or bones.
Moreover, breast milk is equipped with antibodies and live white blood cells that help your baby fight off infections. Interestingly, when either you or your baby is unwell, the number of these cells in your breast milk increases.
The first milk, known as colostrum, has special proteins that coat your baby’s intestinal tract, offering protection against harmful bacteria right from the beginning.
During breastfeeding, your brain releases hormones called prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones not only help you bond with your baby but also alleviate normal feelings of stress and anxiety.
The flavor and aroma of your breast milk change based on the foods you consume. Introducing your baby to various tastes during breastfeeding can make them less picky eaters when you start introducing solid foods.
As your baby begins eating solids, you can use breast milk as a substitute for cow’s milk in recipes.
Contrary to common belief, the amount of breast milk you produce is not determined by your breast size. Moms with small breasts can have just as much, or even more, milk-making tissue as those with larger breasts.
Your breast milk adapts constantly to meet the changing needs of your growing baby, adjusting from month to month, week to week, day to day, and even within a single feeding.
Mothers who breastfeed enjoy a lower risk of developing various health conditions, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and postpartum depression. Additionally, the longer a woman breastfeeds over her lifetime, the more protection she receives.
Breastfeeding also reduces your baby’s risk of common childhood illnesses, including ear infections, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
