{"id":5393,"date":"2014-08-01T16:02:29","date_gmt":"2014-08-01T08:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=5393"},"modified":"2020-08-17T11:48:39","modified_gmt":"2020-08-17T09:48:39","slug":"9-breastfeeding-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/9-breastfeeding-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Breastfeeding Facts Every Mom Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Breast feeding has been proven to have a huge number of benefits for both mom and baby<\/a>, and our bodies have developed a number of unique quirks to make sure that we\u2019re able to give our little ones the sustenance they need. While the decision to breastfeed or not is a deeply personal choice that depends on your situation, it\u2019s always fascinating to discover more about what our bodies are capable of.\u00a0 So here are some of our favorite breastfeeding facts to get you thinking while you\u2019re expecting.<\/p>\n

1. Breast milk changes to fit your baby\u2019s needs<\/h3>\n

Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for your baby and contains all of the water, protein, and vitamins she needs for the start of her life. \u00a0Not only that, but the content of your breast milk changes as your baby\u2019s needs change.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of every feeding your milk is more watery, and gradually becomes thicker and more fat-filled. The milk also changes as your baby grows, automatically adjusting to exactly what she needs in that moment. In fact the W.H.O. recommends that moms breastfeed exclusively up to 6 months old because additional foods and drinks are unnecessary until then.<\/p>\n

2. Breast milk is like a natural immunization for your baby<\/h3>\n

Colostrum \u2013 which is the thick, yellow milk produced in the first few days after delivery \u2013 is full of antibodies and protein. It helps build your baby\u2019s immune system (some people even refer to colostrum as \u201cliquid gold\u201d). Babies only need about 2 teaspoons of it to fill their tummies \u2013 it\u2019s that packed with nutrients. The milk that comes after colostrum continues to bolster her immunities: breastfed children have a lower risk of asthma, diabetes, and childhood obesity.<\/p>\n

3. Milk production is based on supply and demand\u2026<\/h3>\n

Many new moms worry about making enough milk for their little ones \u2013 but don\u2019t stress! The more often your baby breastfeeds (demand), the more prolactin (the hormone that tells your body to make more milk) is produced, and the more milk you will produce.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

4. ..and size doesn\u2019t matter<\/h3>\n

The size of your breasts also doesn\u2019t make a difference to your milk production \u2013 moms with A cups can feed their babies just as well as those with larger cup sizes.<\/p>\n

5. Milk doesn\u2019t just come from the nipple<\/h3>\n

There are actually many different places on your nipple and areola (the darker circle of skin surrounding the nipple) that milk can flow out of, giving your baby a larger area to suckle. The most productive area for babies is often below the nipple, which is why your baby will often latch there.<\/p>\n

6. Breastfeeding helps your body to recover from pregnancy and childbirth more quickly<\/h3>\n

When you breast feed, your body releases oxytocin, which helps trigger the \u201cletdown\u201d of breast milk. It also makes your uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, thereby lessening the likelihood of post-partum bleeding.\u00a0Oxytocin also has the added benefit of relaxing you and your baby for some quality bonding time.<\/p>\n

7. Your baby smells its way to your breasts<\/h3>\n

The areolar glands (the bumps on the darker skin around the nipples) secrete oils thought to help lubricate the nipple and make nursing more comfortable. However, a recent study from the National Centre for Scientific Research in Dijon France, suggests that those oils have a scent that babies are instinctually drawn to. This might make it easier to get babies to latch and feed. Moms with more of these glands also started lactating an average of 10 hours earlier than mothers with fewer glands.<\/p>\n

8. Breastfeeding might make weaning easier<\/h3>\n

Your breast milk is affected by the foods you eat, having different flavors depending on what you\u2019ve been munching on. This exposes the baby to more tastes and could make introducing solid foods easier when the time comes. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

9. You can breastfeed as birth control<\/h3>\n

Pregnancy and breastfeeding lowers the amount of estrogen in your body, which stops you from ovulating and menstruating. If you breastfeed exclusively this can serve as a type of natural birth control. However, according to research this is still only about 98% effective and only for the first 6 months of breastfeeding.<\/p>\n

So, like with most forms of birth control (except abstinence), there is still a risk of pregnancy. Just remember that low estrogen can also cause vaginal dryness, so it\u2019s completely normal to need a feminine moisturizer<\/a> to supplement your natural moisture.<\/p>\n

Our bodies are capable of some pretty amazing things \u2013 and this is only a small percentage of incredible facts about breastfeeding! However, whether you decide to breastfeed or not, feeding your baby is a moment of intense bonding and closeness. Take each feeding as an opportunity to connect with your baby and take a break from the rest of the world \u2013 just settle in and relax.<\/p>\n

Please note that advice offered by Intimina may not be relevant to your individual case. For specific concerns regarding your health, always consult your physician or other licensed medical practitioners.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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