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      The 7 wonders of breast milk

       Breastfeeding image aptaclub

      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:

      Breast Feeding Newborn

      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.

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      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 sleep inducing hormones to your baby.

      Baby Sleeping On Tummy

      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.

      Bowl Of Salad Leaves

      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.

      Learn more about breast milk composition.

      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.

      Your baby's future health begins here

      Your baby's future health begins here

      At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; that
      each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your
      baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one
      round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

      Join Aptaclub

      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.

      Brighter futures start here

      Discover more about infant development to help shape your baby's future

      Join now for free

      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.

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