Liquid Gold — Intrigued ?
Breastfeeding and benefits of Human Milk — A topic which is more openly discussed, extensively researched and widely acknowledged as it should be, thanks to the awareness raised by every health organization globally including World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) and the policy makers enabling them.
A trip down the memory lane…
Ever since mammals came to being in the evolutionary history, the mother nurturing her baby through milk must also have evolved as a biological process and with humans standing at the peak of that evolution, it is needless to say we are looking at one of the most complex compositions, the human milk.
There are innumerable benefits of this Liquid Gold both to the infant and the mother, which have been studied and proven over the last several decades. The research is still playing catch up with this natural phenomenon, post natal practice and in the big picture, the knowledge/mechanism which has been passed down from several species to humans and further throughout the existence of mankind amidst an otherwise ever changing world.
The mysteries of human milk begin here — a long list of benefits of just the act of breastfeeding includes bonding between mother-child, reduces stress and enables emotional well-being of the pair, aids in post-pregnancy weight loss, prevents breast cancer and much more.
Beyond that, the uniquely crafted composition of the breastmilk itself will leave you awe-inspired!
Here is what I gathered after going through several publications and research paper, books, videos and mommy blogs.
Need more reason ? Here are 2 outstanding benefits explained further that will drive the point home!
#1 I was taken by surprise when I recently came across a this talk from AAP, although 3 years since publish. It had an interesting revelation as to how the very brief phase of breastfeeding (say from 6 months up to 2 years of child’s life) in the larger scheme of human life (say 90 years) could have a lasting effect on the offspring’s health and get this, the health of generations to come after that (the 3rd generation)! The secret is through EpiGenetics, which is basically external factors outside of the genes having an effect on turning the genes on and off like a switch, thereby determining health outcomes.
#2 Then there is evidence of breastmilk containing over 800 species of bacteria, including many of the good kind of gut bacteria which seed the microbiome, our second brain that exists in the large intestine and colon. Also there are rich quantities of complex sugars called human milk oligosaccharides (H.M.O) which are not direct food for the babies BUT a yummy food for those good gut bacteria to flourish. Now, the effect of the gut microbiome on human health is such an amazing science and a topic for another day. However let me just scrape the tip of that iceberg by saying, it is not just your genes that determine your health but the genome of those microbes in your gut play a heavy and possibly a more important role. There is a book reference below which goes — You are only 10% human. Then what about the rest 90 % ? Gut microbiome :)
With breastfeeding, we are looking at an opportunity to re-shape public health from the get-go of the birth of our children and their children and create better people of tomorrow! Isn’t it reason enough ? I say there has never been a more compelling reason to make it happen!
How can we help?
There are several factors at play here which are to be addressed in cohesion to achieve a better outcome of increased breastfeeding and for longer duration to augment the benefits.
Birth method (Natural has benefits over C-section both in success of breastfeeding and establishing the infant’s gut bacteria from mother)
Socio-economic support — Family, Pediatricians and OBGYN, policy makers, health professional support to address issues along the journey
Awareness and education — through larger reach programs, awareness campaigns and presenting science based evidence to create an impact
Maternal Nutrition — Programs to help mothers in mid-low income groups to get basic nutrition throughout breastfeeding and beyond
Work Place Support — Better Maternity leave policies, Lactation facility for women returning to workforce after childbirth
Health Insurance — Lactation consultation with specialists, Breast pumps, intervention for health issues standing in the way for intending mothers
Human milk donation for research and newborns whose mom could not breastfeed due to health/social reasons
Even if you don’t remember anything from above, just take with you this one thought..
Breastmilk is not only the source of food but a rich formulated source of immunity, gut health, heritable positive gene regulations to the baby and that is transferable to the baby’s baby and pretty much our entire progeny.
I believe that small things make a big difference — Support, encourage and raise awareness about breastfeeding within your close circle of family and friends. Do your part towards Better People of tomorrow!
There is a hopeful and healthy future awaiting us…
References:
Book reference: 10% Human
