In the United States, August serves as National Breastfeeding Month to raise awareness about this process. It's amazing what the human body can do to help nourish a baby. It is also important to note that this does not come easy for everyone or without a cost to mothers. Moms who choose not to breastfeed or those who are unable to are still great moms.
Here are 10 facts about breastfeeding to celebrate the act. The human body is capable of great feats. And this one is so important and sweet.
The body prepares during pregnancy.
Even before your baby is born, your body is getting ready for lactation. A process called lactogenesis begins in the 16th week of pregnancy. This is when your estrogen and progesterone levels rise which causes changes to your body. Your milk ducts will grow in size and increase in number. Your breasts will become fuller with darker nipples. Your areolas will also grow and begin to secret oil through the montgomery glands.
Before breast milk is liquid gold
Before the milk officially comes in there is something called colostrum. It contains important calcium, potassium, proteins, minerals, and antibodies for your baby. A little bit goes a long way. Just teaspoons of this will keep your little one satisfied until the milk starts flowing. This usually happens about 2 to 5 days after giving birth.
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Babies can smell you.
Newborns have an incredible nose. Their strong sense of smell is even better than adults. They can sniff out the scent of breastmilk which is unique to every mother. Babies will turn their heads to find it.
Eyesight is another story.
While their sense of smell is heightened, newborns are blind as bats. Specifically they are nearsighted and call really only see about eight to 15 inches away from them. This just so happens to be the sweet spot of where they will be during breastfeeding. So this act helps a baby bond with mom.
Breastmilk expands a baby's palate.
When a baby drinks breastmilk, they are exposed to a whole new rage of foods. This is because whatever mom eats impacts the milk. This could help avoid picky eating later in life because they were already exposed to new flavors that changed daily.
Breastmilk helps moms heal.
Childbirth is not a walk in the park. Moms have to heal and keep a tiny human alive. Breastfeeding can help by releasing hormones in moms' bodies. Oxytocin impacts the uterus allowing it to return to its pre-pregnancy size. It also reduces vaginal bleeding.
Breast milk evolves.
Breast milk is not like a tap you turn on that is consistent throughout the feeding session. It actually starts out watery with a blue hue. It then transitions into a creamier variety with a higher fat content. This thicker liquid helps give babies the needed nutrients and calories they need.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for mom.
Moms who breastfeed have a lower risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer. They may also get back to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories. Some mom's who only use this method of feeding can expend up to 600 calories a day. That's quite a workout.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for baby.
Babies get a boost in their immunity after breastfeeding. They have a lower chance of getting sick with things such as ear infections, diarrhea, and stomach issues. As babies grow up into toddlerhood and beyond, they have a lower risk of asthma, diabetes, and childhood obesity.
Surprising legal backing.
In 2018 Idaho and Utah became the final states to legalize breastfeeding in public. Some male lawmakers made this a little tricky but it got done. This made the act permissible in all 50 states. So if a stranger even gives you grief, you can inform them that the law is actually on your side.
