The 7 wonders of breast milk
The 7 wonders of breast milk
Why is breast milk best for baby?
Learn what makes breastfeeding worthwhile
Breastmilk is incredible, multifaceted, and fascinating. It’s been inspiring our research for 50 years. And as we’re able to discover more and more about its composition, more unexpected and amazing properties are being revealed.
7 wonderful breast milk facts that might surprise you:
1
Your breast milk is totally unique to you
Your breast milk's composition is determined by factors including your diet, hormones, genetics, environmental influences, and the needs of you and your baby.
Brighter futures start here
Discover more about infant development to help shape your baby's future
2
Your baby recognises the smell of your breast milk1
The scent of your breast milk prompts your newborn to show searching behaviours2. And, amazingly, they can sense and process information contained in your milk3.
3
Your breast milk can help your baby sleep
As your hormone levels change throughout the day, so do the levels in your breast milk. This means, for example, that in the evening your milk will pass on
4
Breastfeeding makes your ‘love hormones’ rise
The skin-to-skin contact of breastfeeding is thought to help with bonding, but scientists have also discovered that your oxytocin levels go up while you breastfeed. This is thought to help increase your feelings of love towards your child5.
5
Breast milk helps your baby have a healthier future
Breast milk is filled with germ-fighting antibodies6. It can reduce the risk of developing eczema, asthma, allergies and obesity in later life7,8, while prolonged breastfeeding helps reduce the lifelong risk of heart disease9.
Find out more about the health benefits of breastfeeding.
6
Breast milk can help your baby become a lifelong healthy eater
Your diet can directly influence the composition of your breast milk10-13. And the foods you eat while breastfeeding could influence the tastes your baby enjoys throughout weaning and beyond14,15.
Find out more about what to include in your breastfeeding diet.
Breast milk is different for sons and daughters
Did you know that boys consume more of their mother’s milk than girls16,17? And amazingly, the breast milk produced for boys contains 25% more calories than for girls18,19.
We still don't know how milk becomes naturally tailored to each baby's needs20. In fact, we're only just beginning to understand the subtleties and complexities of breast milk. There's much more research needed, but there is no doubt that breast milk is wonderful.
Worried about breastfeeding?
It's completely normal to find breastfeeding a little tricky at first, but our breastfeeding guide is full of tips and advice to support you every step of the way.
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Breast milk and breastfeeding
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Discover more about the miracle of breast milk
Learn more about the positive effects of breast milk for your baby's health and development in the following articles.
Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.
Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.