In honor of world breastfeeding week I wanted to do a quick post for all you mamas out there currently expecting or already breastfeeding your tiny humans.
The journey for every diad or triad (#twins) to breastfeed is different. Some struggle tremendously and others take to it right away. Wherever you’re at, here are a few cool facts to remember:
- The amount of breast milk you are able to produce has nothing to do with your breast size.
- Your brain releases the hormones prolactin and oxytocin during breastfeeding, which help you to bond with baby and relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
- The first two weeks of breastfeeding are critical for long term milk production. During this time, the prolactin receptor sites are developing and being laid down. Prolactin is a hormone necessary to drive milk production.
- Breast milk contains antibodies and live white blood cells that help your baby fight against infection. When your baby is sick, the mother’s breast milk will change based on the feedback from the baby received during saliva transfer through the nipple! The color of the breast milk can change significantly!
- Breastfeeding burns between 500-600 calories a day. That means some moms might end up losing weight without any additional exercise!
- Breast milk is a living substance that contains live cells, including stem cells, which go on to become other body cell types like brain, heart, kidney, or bone tissue.
- Your breast milk is constantly changing to meet the needs of your growing baby. From month-to-month, throughout the week, day-to-day, and even throughout a single feeding!
There’s a reason breast milk is called “liquid gold.” It’s truly amazing in so many ways!
So whether you’re on the fence about breastfeeding, need to remember why you started in the first place, or just want to feel good about your decision, I wanted to share a few fascinating facts about breastfeeding and breast milk to keep all you mamas motivated. And remember – breastfeeding doesn’t just mean nursing at the breast – it can mean exclusive pumping, using a supplemental nursing system, cup feeding, giving it in a bottle and more!
One more final thing to keep in mind. #Breastfeeding should NEVER hurt! If it does, there is likely a latch issue and or your baby has a tongue and/or lip tie (ties are much more common than most realize).
If you have questions about breastfeeding or tongue/lip ties, please reach out! To create your own breastfeeding tree of life image, download the breastfeeding tree of life app! #BreastfeedingTreeofLife
