10 Interesting Facts about Breatfeeding

30/10/2018

It's true that nowadays we are all aware of the importance of feeding our newborn babies with breast milk. In fact, the WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends exclusive breastfeeding as the method of feeding babies for the first six months of their lives.

So, with that in mind, I’d like to share with you 10 interesting facts about breastfeeding that perhaps you may not know:

1. Breast milk is like medicine for premature babies. In fact, in neonatal intensive care units, the food babies are fed is always breast milk (from either their own mother or a breast milk bank).
2. Breast milk contains antibodies that help to protect the baby against infections. It also combats possible food allergies and respiratory diseases.
3. The taste of breast milk changes depending on the mother’s diet, which encourages the baby to accept our tastes when it comes to introducing complementary foods.
4. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of postnatal depression and promotes the emotional bond between the mother and her baby.
5. Children who have been fed with breast milk are at a lower risk of suffering childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.
6. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother, as it reduces the risk of breast cancer and of osteoporosis over the long term.
7. Milk production does not occur until 48-72 hours after giving birth. The baby feeds off colostrum (a yellowish liquid that is rich in antibodies and carbohydrates).
8. Babies should be fed with breast milk “on demand”, i.e. every time they want. Once breastfeeding is well-established, milk production depends heavily on the newborn stimulating it through sucking the nipple.
9. Breast milk is digested much more easily and quickly than infant formula, which is why it's normal that, for the first few months, breast-fed babies have bowel movements every time they are fed and are frequently hungrier.
10. A supportive environment is crucial for the mother to continue breastfeeding, taking advice from paediatricians, breastfeeding and childcare groups, and receiving fundamental support from their partner are factors fundamental for a successful breastfeeding experience.  

Dra. Sofía Fournier Fisas

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