WAS IT DESIGNED?

According to a midwife research book, "infant bottle milk will never completely mimic human milk." The fact that the mother's body adapts the milk to the demands of the infant is one of the reasons why it is the best for the child.

Consider: Mother’s milk changes from the beginning to the end of each feeding session. The milk at the beginning of a feeding has more protein, vitamins, minerals, and water, whereas the milk later in the feeding has more fat, leaving the infant satisfied. Her milk even changes based on the baby’s age and the season.

In mother’s milk, the amount of some hormones, such as melatonin, peaks or increase during the night, whereas other hormones peak during the day. Depending on the time of day, these hormonal variations promote sleepiness or alertness, which help the infant establish a sleep/wake cycle.

During the first few days after giving birth, the mother produces a yellowish milk called colostrum. Colostrum is easy to digest and is concentrated with nutrients, so even a little in the infant’s tiny stomach provides major benefits. Colostrum has an abundance of key antibodies that protect the vulnerable infant from infections. In addition, it acts like a laxative, helping to clean out the newborn’s digestive system. Mothers need not be anxious about having sufficient milk, even with twins, because the supply naturally increases to match the need.

What do you think? Did mother’s milk, with its unique properties, evolve? Or was it designed?

My breastfeeding story: Lessons learned and wisdom gained

Nutritional Benefits Of Breast Feeding :

1. Customized nutrition: Mother's milk changes composition based on baby's age, health, and environmental factors.

2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Breast milk contains cytokines, which help regulate baby's immune response.

3. Brain development: Mother's milk contains fatty acids essential for brain growth and development.

Immunological Benefits

1. Antibody transfer: Breast milk passes antibodies from mother to baby, protecting against infections.

2. Immune system development: Mother's milk helps establish and regulate baby's immune system.

3. Protection against diseases: Breast milk has been shown to reduce risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and allergies.

Emotional Benefits:

1. Bonding and attachment: Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding promote mother-child bonding.

2. Stress reduction: Oxytocin release during breastfeeding helps reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Emotional intelligence: Breastfeeding promotes emotional regulation and empathy in infants.

Unique Properties:

1. Stem cells: Mother's milk contains stem cells, which may aid in tissue repair and regeneration.

2. Microbiome establishment: Breast milk seeds baby's gut microbiome, influencing lifelong health.

3. Bioactive compounds: Mother's milk contains compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Fascinating Facts:

1. Mother's milk changes taste based on mother's diet.

2. Breast milk can help mitigate baby's pain.

3. Twins can have different milk compositions.

Addressing Negative Stories About Breastfeeding/Nursing

1. Frequent nursing doesn't overproduce milk; it regulates supply.

2. Mother's milk is still nutritious even if mother has a poor diet.

3. Breastfeeding doesn't ruin breast shape; pregnancy and gravity do.

Summary About A Mother's Milk

Mother's milk, also known as breast milk, is a fluid produced by the mammary glands in the breasts of human females. It is the primary source of nutrition for infants, providing all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life. Breast milk contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. It also contains bioactive factors that help the infant's immune system, digestion, and absorption of nutrients. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect newborns from infections.

To sum up, breast milk is a special liquid that has evolved to give the newborn nutrients and healthy elements. Several research have shed light on the interaction between the developing infant and milk's constituents, including glycans and bioactive proteins.