What Makes Breastmilk So Special?

You may have heard "breast is best," but what are the many benefits of breastmilk and breastfeeding?

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Breastmilk is a living, dynamic substance, perfectly tailored to meet your baby's needs at every stage.

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Let’s dive in to what’s so unique about breastmilk and breastfeeding:

BENEFITS FOR BABY

• Breastmilk is rich with growth factors, hormones, and living cells, which are the building blocks for baby’s brain development, immune system, and more!
• Prevention of illness and infection
  • Breastfed babies tend to have less lung, ear, and stomach infections, leading to less hospitalization.
  • When mother or baby are exposed to an infection, mom’s body will make antibodies that are then passed through her breastmilk

• Reduces risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
• Premature babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), which is a serious intestinal infection.
• Breastmilk promotes a healthy gut biome for Baby, which can reduce the risk of pulmonary and intestinal infections, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), and more.
• Colostrum, which is the first milk that comes after delivery, characterized by small volume and its usually golden color, is dense, perfectly proportioned to a newborn’s small stomach size, and rich with immune-defense cells.
  • Colostrum is higher in certain minerals, including magnesium (brain development), sodium (maintains blood pressure and blood volume), and chloride (an electrolyte to maintain hydration). 
  • This "liquid gold" is so important for newborns!
• Breastfed babies learn to pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, which can be a part of decreasing the risk of obesity, and set them up for healthy behaviors with food later in life. 
• Breastfed babies can have a lower risk developing long term health concerns later in life, such as asthma, allergies, obesity, Type 1 Diabetes, and other health problems.
• Breastmilk changes in composition throughout the day, as well as throughout a breastfeeding journey, changing to meet the baby’s new needs. For example, if a baby becomes sick, a mother’s body will begin to make antibodies for that specific illness to then pass to baby via her breastmilk. 
  • A mother's milk is active, adjusting to her baby's needs hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly!

BENEFITS FOR THE BREASTFEEDING MOTHER:

• Mothers who breastfeed are at less risk of developing breast or ovarian cancers.
• Breastfeeding can decrease a mother’s risk to develop long term health issues, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or Type 2 Diabetes. 
• Breastfeeding increases the hormone oxytocin, which can lead to feelings of satisfaction, joy, and a secure bond. This can be different for everyone, but most mothers report a special, indescribable attachment when nursing their infant. 

With all of these great benefits, it's no wonder the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding infants for 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed through the first year of life and beyond, in addition to complementary foods, or solids.

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While breastmilk and breastfeeding offer incomparable benefits, the breastfeeding journey can be complex, filled with worry and frustration.

Just because breastfeeding and breastmilk are unparalleled doesn't mean that it necessarily comes easily. Whatever your baby feeding goals may be, my hope for you is that you find people to support you in reaching those goals.

If this is you, please know that you do not have to figure this all out on your own. Seek support from a lactation provider in your area!

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Sydney White is a Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Counselor providing in-home breastfeeding support in San Diego, local monthly group classes,  and telehealth lactation support anywhere.

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References:

Breast milk is best. (2024, February 29). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breastfeeding-your-baby/breast-milk-is-the-best-milk

Breastfeeding benefits both baby and mom. (2023, December 14). Breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/features/breastfeeding-benefits.html#:~:text=Breastfeeding%20has%20health%20benefits%20for%20the%20mother%20too!,first%20six%20months%20is%20recommended.

‍Noel, G., In, J. G., Lemme-Dumit, J. M., DeVine, L. R., Cole, R. N., Guerrerio, A. L., Campbell, J. D., Kovbasnjuk, O., & Pasetti, M. F. (2021). Human breast milk enhances intestinal mucosal barrier function and innate immunity in a healthy pediatric human enteroid model. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.685171.

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Disclaimer:

This information provided in this blog article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with your qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about supplementation or addressing concerns about your baby's weight gain. This information is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. For further information, please consult with a pediatric healthcare provider or visit reputable medical sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the World Health Organization.