Breast Milk…
A Fascinating Fluid
By Liza Davenport
Everybody knows that breast milk is best. But does everybody know why?
There are so many wonderful benefits to breastfeeding, not just for baby…but for mom as well! But before you can fully understand the benefits, you have to know how this wonderful substance called breast milk is produced. How about a little lesson in ‘Breast Anatomy’ shall we….
If you were to look inside a woman’s breast, you would see these clusters that look like a bunch of grapes called alveoli, which are lined with milk producing cells. An individual alveolus is only about the size of a sesame seed! In these alveolus are gland cells, and it is in these gland cells where the milk is produced. Several groups of alveoli are attached to ductules. Ductules attach with larger ducts, which then carry the milk to the nipple.
Now, for all this to happen there are many hormones involved in the production and in the let-down (or ejection of milk) But the two most important of these hormones are Prolactin and Oxytocin.
Prolactin signals the body to make milk, while Oxytocin stimulates the let-down. Oxytocin is also sometimes called the “Mothering Hormone.” It helps to release the milk once the baby is at the breast….and even when they are not! Any breastfeeding moms out there know what I am talking about. You’re walking through a grocery store and you hear a baby cry – doesn’t even have to be your own…and next thing you know…you’re leaking! You can thank Oxytocin for that.
That ‘mothering feeling’ or suckling at the breast stimulates the neurohypophysis to produce and release oxytocin.
Now, when the baby latches on they need to open their mouth wide. Opening wide will help them to take in not only the nipple, but also some of the areola which is necessary for milk ejection.
Now for the milk itself…..
Breast milk is pretty awesome when you think of all the different things it does. It actually changes in appearance and composition during the months of feedings, and even during each feeding. For example, when a baby is first born the milk is completely different from the milk that is produced when that baby is a year old.
Colostrum is the thick, yellowish milk that comes when the baby is born {or secreted during pregnancy in some women} It has an increase concentration of calcium, potassium, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and antibodies. This milk is very valuable for preventing infections in infants, since they are just brand new and can’t fight off infections on their own. It also helps the baby pass meconium in those first couple days after birth.
Then comes the Transitional Milk, which starts about 4-10 days post-partum. Around 10 days the Mature Milk comes in and stays until the baby is weaned. During a feeding, when the baby first latches on the milk has a very thin, almost a watery composition. But as the baby sucks, the milk actually gets thicker…and by the end of a feeding the baby is getting what is called the Hind Milk…which is very beneficial for gaining weight since it has a much higher fat content then at the beginning of the feeding.
Milk even changes throughout the day! Milk in the morning may be lighter…while the milk in the evening is much thicker. The odor or taste even changes depending on the mother’s diet. This helps infants get used to different tastes…which can be great for parents later on when introducing different foods to their children.
Even women who have never been pregnant can breastfeed. Many adoptive mothers breastfeed their babies. It does take dedication, and support…but it can be done. It’s a wonderful way for the adoptive mother to bond with her new baby.
Pretty cool, eh?
Women’s bodies are wonderful things…and we make this awesome nourishment that has so many benefits. When we think of breast milk, we always think of all the benefits for baby, and a lot of the time forget about all the benefits for mom!
After a woman gives birth, her uterus is stretched (obviously) but when the baby is latched on sucking at the breasts, it releases that Oxytocin which causes uterine contractions that help the uterus to go back to its original size quicker than if she wasn’t breastfeeding. It also cuts down on the uterine bleeding after birth.
Breastfeeding after giving birth is so beneficial for the healing process. Another great thing that Oxytocin does, is when the baby is nursing and the hormone is released it promotes nurturing and relaxation. It works almost like a natural tranquilizer for mom {and baby too!}. The nurturing and relaxation is beneficial in helping reduce Post- Partum Depression in new moms.
Studies have shown that moms that breastfeed lower their risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. They are also less likely to develop osteoporosis later in life. Now this may get many mom’s attention…breastfeeding burns calories!! That’s right…you burn an extra 500 calories everyday just sitting on your butt, nursing your baby. That is equal to swimming 30 laps in a pool!!
My favourite benefit for mom though – Convenience! I have heard many times that a lot of mothers choose not to breastfeed because it requires too much work….Hmm…excuse me?? Work?? Ah, I lift up my shirt & the baby latches on….that’s it. There is no buying formula or bottles, no mixing, heating, refrigerating or cleaning of supplies. No making sure I always have enough bottles on me, or carrying bottles everywhere we go.
Breasts are always ready and always the right temperature. Plus, since they are attached to us there is no having to make sure you don’t forget them when you leave your house! It also makes night feedings very simple. I honestly can’t imagine having to get out of bed, get a bottle, heat up that bottle, then feed the baby, then burp the baby….I’m tired just typing all that! You know what happens at night when you breastfeed? Well…if you choose to co-sleep (which is what I do) you just let the baby latch on and you both go back to sleep. I love snuggling with my son at night while he nurses. (I better add that Co-Sleeping is not recommend by Health Canada, but my husband and I prefer it when our children are infants/toddlers. I personally sleep better knowing my baby is in my arms) Even if you don’t co-sleep with your baby, nursing is still much easier than having to go to the kitchen and get a bottle ready. So when you think about it, breastfeeding is very convenient and not at all burdensome, which some people believe.
A wonderful thing about nursing a baby, is the closeness you each receive. Breastfeeding satisfies a baby’s emotional needs. Remember earlier when I said how it acts like a natural tranquilizer?…well it also works as a natural pain relief for baby too! It contains chemicals that suppress pain. When a baby is upset, latching on and sucking at his/her mother’s breast helps them to calm down.
Breast milk is also very beneficial for a baby’s teeth and jaw development. When a baby is suckling at a breast, they have to work harder than those babies using a bottle. All that work is helping to develop their jaw. Another bonus – studies have shown that children who were breastfed have fewer cavities!
When you breastfeed, it helps lower baby/child’s risk of developing so many things…here are just a few that you may have never heard before:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ear Infections
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Allergies
- Respiratory Infections
- Asthma
- Vision Defects
- Childhood Obesity
Children are more resistant to infections and disease early in life if they are breastfed, and less likely to contract a number of diseases as an adult since breast milk aids in the development of their immune system. Studies have shown that human milk helps an infant’s immune system to mature more quickly, than it would if the infant was artificially fed with formula. Also, since babies are getting milk straight from the breast, there is no risk of coming in contact with bacteria. Formula, which has to be mixed with water and placed in bottles, can often become contaminated.
So as you can see, women produce something that has so many wonderful benefits – and I have only discussed a few of them!
You often hear that parents want what is best for their children. After all things considered, breastfeeding them is a very good start. The benefits of it will last a lifetime.
It supplies our children with far more than just nutrition. It is, like the title says – A fascinating fluid.
This is the second article in a series on breast feeding by local Lactivist Liza Davenport.
