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The Wonders of How Breastfeeding Actually Works Are Truly Awe-Inspiring

Let me begin by saying I don't have a stance on whether you breastfeed or not. Everyone's situation is unique, and no one owes an explanation for their decision. We'd all benefit from fewer judgments when it comes to how babies are fed.

That being said, can we all agree that breastfeeding is seriously incredible?

The process of creating and sustaining life is already mind-blowing on its own. But the fact that our bodies can then produce food for that life, complete with a system that dictates how and when that food is made and released, is pretty extraordinary.

A CGI video illustrating the process has left many people in awe of how it all works. The video provides a clear view of the internal process when a baby latches on. (Though the latch isn’t depicted perfectly, which is key for successful breastfeeding, the rest is fascinating.)

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On a high level, here's how it works: when a baby suckles, it sends a signal to the mother's brain. This triggers the release of two hormones—prolactin, which promotes milk production, and oxytocin, which helps push the milk through the milk ducts. It’s a simple but beautiful process, showcasing the communication between baby, brain, and breast to provide milk on demand.

But there’s more. Breastfeeding isn’t just biological—it almost feels like magic.

For example, the flavor of breastmilk changes depending on the mother’s diet, allowing the baby to experience a range of flavors early on. While this might seem insignificant, studies show that breastfed children tend to be less picky eaters later in life.

Breastmilk also changes color, sometimes appearing blue, green, yellow, or even pink. Cool, right?

As the baby grows, breastmilk adapts to meet their evolving nutritional needs. The video even shows how, toward the end, milk flow reverses as the baby’s saliva interacts with the mother’s body, adjusting the milk’s composition in real-time.

This saliva exchange also prompts the body to add immune-boosting elements—like leucocytes and antibodies—into the milk, which can help protect the baby from illness. These immune-boosting adjustments can happen when either the baby or mother is sick, providing extra defense for the baby.

Breastmilk isn’t just food—it’s a living substance, filled with live cells, and we’re only scratching the surface of what it can do, both nutritionally and medicinally.

Sadly, the wonder of breastfeeding often gets overshadowed by the debates and pressures surrounding it. Not everyone can breastfeed, and for those who do, it can come with its own set of challenges. But none of that changes the fact that breastfeeding is a miraculous process when it works.

So let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible way our bodies can produce and deliver food for our babies, always at the perfect temperature, and continuously tailored to meet their needs. It’s truly amazing.

 

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