I wouldn’t say I’m an expert on breastfeeding but I do have a PhD in Googling.  So in my total two years or so of breastfeeding I came across a lot of trivia!

And because I’m a trivia nerd, I’m compiling a list of things I learned and making you read it wtf.

10. Breastfeeding puts baby to sleep

Every mom knows the easiest way to put a baby to sleep is stick a boob in his mouth and eventually he’ll drift off to dreamland.  But do you know why?  Here’s where you insert a lot of science jargon but basically it has to do with the hormones in the milk.  At night, higher amounts of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone has been found in breast milk than in the day time, which makes putting baby to sleep easier.  And you can get the rest you need!

9. Breastfeeding puts MOMMY to sleep

There is a proper reason besides you being so exhausted that you just fall asleep the minute you sit still.  And that is that breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin which can make you feel relaxed, loved and sleepy. 🙂 I like to think of it as our bodies taking care to make sure we get enough rest to with a baby around.

8. Breast milk is tailored to baby’s needs

Right after you give birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a special milk which is lower in volume but high in nutrients.  Colostrum provides special antibodies needed by a newborn immediately after birth. And as baby grows, breast milk composition changes to match what baby needs.

Heck, it even changes during lactation! During the first few minutes of a feed, foremilk is released which is thinner and more watery to quench baby’s thirst.  The later milk is called hind milk and is fattier, which will satiate the baby and keep him full.

7. Your diet doesn’t affect the composition of your breast milk

So for example, even if you don’t eat oranges, your baby will still get her full quota of Vitamin C. Hahaha. That’s because your body prioritizes the needs of your baby and makes sure your milk contains the full complement of goodness your baby needs to thrive.  The bad news is that if you don’t eat well, you will deprive your own body of nutrients because the good stuff is all going to the baby.  So eating well and healthily is still a must; it’s just that you do it for yourself.

6. Breastfeeding is not just good for baby, it’s good for mom too

Research has shown that breastfeeding may help ward off breast and ovarian cancers! BRB shoving boob into Penny’s mouth.

The oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps the uterus contract, helping you return to your pre-preggers figure.  And prolactin, the hormone linked to milk production makes you feel happy and fuzzy, keeping post natal blues at bay.

And let’s not forget that breastfeeding is supposed to burn 500 calories a day!  This (and Marie France) is what I attribute to helping me lose my baby weight so quickly.

5. No period!

I know a lot of moms worry about not having enough milk because when they pump, only a certain amount is produced which may not seem enough.  But a baby is the best extractor of milk so what you pump out is not a good gauge of what your baby is really consuming.  If baby seems contented, that’s enough. 🙂

1. Your mom level does not depend on breastfeeding alone

Every mom’s breastfeeding journey is different.  It may be happy, bonding, frustrating, depressing even.  Whatever it is, my guess is it is almost always emotional.  Breastfeeding can be the most rewarding thing you’ve done or the most taxing and depressing.  Whatever it may be, remember that how you feed your child does not determine your worth as a mother.  You are the only person who knows how to be the best mom to your child.

This post is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.