Choosing to breastfeed is a very personal decision. There is lots of information about the benefits and it is also pretty convenient given it is always readily available and always the right temperature, however some clever scientists and lactation experts have revealed some other remarkable facts about the wonder of your breastmilk.
1. Ready to Go
It's the ultimate all-in-one meal and, amazingly, your body produces the right nutrients and volume of milk to match your baby's needs and developmental stage. Smart, huh?
2. Packed with Nutrients
If you thought five-a-day was enough to pack into your daily diet, check what a breastfeeding baby gets. Recent research has shown that there are 415 individual proteins in breast milk. This is the ultimate high-protein diet. This discovery certainly tells us more about the significant role breastmilk has on infant growth and development.
3. Super Cells
Ready for some science? Your breast milk contains stem cells, which have the ability to become a load of different type of cells in the body. Stem cells are like gold dust to medical research – if you want to donate – and there's hope that their presence in breast milk could mean they'll also be boosting your baby's development.
4. Taste Test
You may not even be at the weaning stage, but breastfeeding is a great time to educate your baby's palate. 'We are all aware that what we eat is transferred to baby during a breastfeed which is of great benefit, but to learn that this transfer also potentially supports the infant to learn about tastes and flavour adds another dimension to the power of breast milk,' says Sioned Hilton from Medela.
5. Brilliant for Bonding
Breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your baby. Not only are you providing your baby with all the nutrients she needs, that all important cuddle time and skin-to-skin contact is a great way to find that mum-baby connection. What's not to love?
This article is brought to you with support from the best in breastfeeding, Medela, supporting mums to continue with their individual breastfeeding experiences and help them to feed for as long as they wish.