The Incredible Components of Breastmilk
Human milk is INCREDIBLE! Contrary to popular belief, this holds true even if you decide to continue breastfeeding throughout toddlerhood & beyond. In fact, after one year of lactation, your milk significantly increases fat & energy contents (but not volume) to provide gap nutrition & immunity while allowing for increased intake of solids.
BUT— your milk is not just nutritional—it is bio-active! Our bodies are amazing!
So what else is inside of breastmilk, you ask?
Hormones, hormone-like factors, & growth factors that stimulate the growth & development of the GI system
Antibodies (like SIgA) which protects the GI tract from toxins & pathogens
Bifidus factor, which promotes the intestinal presence of Bifidobacterium (probiotic) that maintain a low pH & crowd out pathogenic organisms
White blood cells—such as B + T lymphocytes, neutrophils, & macrophages—that are our immune system’s primary response
Cell wall disruptors (like fatty acids & lysozymes) that can destroy certain bacteria & viruses & aid in cellular activity
B12 binding factor, which reduces the B12 available to harmful microbes
Bioavailable iron—meaning it is iron that can be absorbed readily by the body & reduces leftover iron that would be “food” for fungi, protozoa, & “bad” bacteria
Lactoferrin, which deprives “bad” bacteria of iron
Antimicrobial activity boosters (like fibronectin + gamma interferon) that aid wound healing, cell growth & differentiation, regulating immune response, & more
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOS), which stimulate the growth of bifidobacterial (which pathogenic bacteria can’t metabolize) & help reduce/eliminate bad bacteria by acting as prebiotics, cell wall protectors, & cell wall lubricants
There is reciprocal immune activity—meaning, a mother’s immune system can send “help” via breastfeeding the baby based on baby exposure to pathogens (even if they were not together at the time of exposure!) & preemptive immunity if only the mother was exposed
…and more!
The thing is, all of these properties of breastmilk don’t disappear simply because your child hits a certain age. Your child can still reap all of the benefits of your milk well into toddlerhood & beyond!
So, the next time someone says that your milk loses its value at 12mo… stand in confidence knowing that they couldn’t be more incorrect!
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
