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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only. I am not a doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. None of the opinions are meant to diagnose or treat any disease or illness. You should always consult your healthcare provider.


21 Breastfeeding Facts that will Blow Your Mind

I’m going to share some breastfeeding facts that I think may surprise you. Some are fun, some are interesting, and some are important to know.

If a list exists to rank the most wondrous things a human being can do, nursing a baby has to be in the top 5. Women can make people and then feed them – with no help from anyone. It’s miraculous, isn’t it?

Take a look and let me know if these breastfeeding facts taught you anything new about nursing your child. I hope so!

Breastfeeding Facts

1. Breastfeeding saves the average American family about $2000 to $4000 a year because they aren’t buying formula.

2. It takes around 1000 calories a day to produce breast milk. That’s why it’s easier for breastfeeding moms to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight.

3. Breast is best, and it doesn’t matter what size your bra is! Milk production and breast size are not related.

4. Oxytocin is one of the hormones released when you nurse. It offers up tremendous relaxation for both you and the baby. We’ve all seen those little eyes start to flutter and close when we’re nursing.

5. You CAN breastfeed in public. In every state, there is protection under the law for a mother’s right to nurse her baby whenever wherever the baby needs to be nursed.

6. Babies can recognize their mother’s breast milk by smell.

7. Exercising is fantastic! But moms who are super into fitness and “go hard or go home” may not realize that the increase in lactic acid can make their milk taste really bad for the baby.

Have you learned anything new yet?

8. If you have allergies while you’re breastfeeding, you can take Claritin but not Claritin D. (Decongestants aren’t recommended for breastfeeding mothers because they can make the mother, and in turn the baby, sleepy. The drowsiness effect from the medication can cause breathing problems in infants.)

9. A mom who has nursed a baby before will produce more milk than a mom who is nursing her first child.

10. Beer does not help with milk production.

11. Washing your breasts with soap is not recommended. Soap causes dry and cracked nipples. Warm water is all you need.

12. It’s not unusual for a mom to gain as much as two pounds in each breast.

13. Most women produce more milk on the right side.

14. Some breasts can store more milk than others. It doesn’t mean they are producing more – just storing it. This is why some breastfed babies can go much longer between feedings than other babies.

One of the most amazing things our bodies can do is produce breast milk!

15. When it comes to drinking alcohol, here are some things to keep in mind. First, know that alcohol is in the milk, the milk tastes bad and it’s not good for the baby. Second, if you’re going to drink more than a small glass of wine, make sure you have pumped and stored milk to use.

16. You can thank prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production, for providing natural birth control. It’s a hormone that suppresses ovulation.

17. Guess what other amazing thing prolactin does for moms? It stops periods! (Don’t panic if you do get your period while nursing. Some women do.) Remember, even though you aren’t having your period, you can definitely get pregnant! Talk to your doctor.

18. Breast milk is about 85% water. Keep a water bottle by your side so that when the baby is drinking, so are you.

19. When a mom begins weaning her child, breast milk becomes higher in sodium. In other words, the taste to the baby is somewhat salty. Amazing.

20. Babies who were breastfed for more than a year on average have fewer dental problems throughout their lives.

21.  If the baby is sick, there are signals in the baby’s saliva that travel into the mother’s breast and send a signal to the mother’s body to make antibodies specifically designed to fight whatever illness the baby has. Doesn’t that fill you with a sense of awe?

There you go! If you went into this not realizing what a rockstar all breastfeeding moms are, hopefully, you know now. The human body is an incredible thing!

Did anything of these breastfeeding facts surprise you?

Oh, I almost forgot. Are you a mom of twins or do you know someone who is? You should read 8 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins. So helpful!

Comments

  1. Stephanie Cole says

    What a bunch of facts! I think breastfeeding now is way more easy to understand, my confusions disappeared and thanks for this.

  2. Wow! I love this list! So interesting :). Thank you for sharing!

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