Why Breastmilk is the ultimate superfood
Whether you breastfeed for 2 days or 2 years, breastmilk is full of amazing goodies to fuel and nourish your baby.
It works like a 'drug' for your tiny human. Milk proteins in your breastmilk break down into peptides - acting like morphine in the body, they have an opioid like effect. This helps mum and baby to bond. It might also explain your bubs post feed bliss.
Breastmilk contains key vitamins and minerals for your growing baby, but more than this it contains bioactive goodies such as live cells, antibodies, hormones, growth factors, amino acids and oligosaccharide. Lets chat about these in a bit more detail.
Live Cells
Full of living cells, breastmilk is full of white blood cells and stem cells. These help to boost immunity and fight inflammation and may even help organs to heal. In fact a new born can consume up to 10 trillion white blood cells from you everyday - amazing!
Antibodies
These anti-infective proteins make sure you baby stays healthy by helping them fight bacterial infections and viruses. IgA is the most abundant antibody in breastmilk which helps to protect mucosal surfaces - these cover your babies internal organs and gastrointestinal tract. Not only does breastmilk have IgA antibodies, it has all the 5 antibodies found in the human body.
Hormones
Did you know that breastmilk contains lots of hormones? These chemical messengers help to regulate your babies appetite, sleep patterns and ensure their organs work properly.
Oligosaccharides
Oligosaccharides in breastmilk are natural pre-biotics. These help to develop your babies gut microbiome by feeding ‘good bacteria’. They help your baby fight infections by acting as a decoy for bacteria and viruses. These bind to the oligosaccharides and are flushed in your babies poo. Clever!
Amino Acids
Full of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, breastmilk contains over 20 different types. At night amino acids called nucleotides increase in your milk which researchers think helps your baby sleep.
Growth Factors
Found in your breastmilk, these goodies help support the development of many part of your babies body - from nervous system development to hormone secretion.
Vitamins and Minerals
Nutrients support your babies growth and development - from teeth and bones, to organ function. We know your nutrient needs increase when breastfeeding to support your growing bub. For example you need more Vitamin A and beta-carotene while breastfeeding which are important for your babies nervous system and eye development.
Breastmilk really is the ultimate superfood, able to adapt to your babies needs at every stage of development. Eating a balanced diet full of natural vitamins and minerals will help to keep your breastmilk ‘liquid gold’.
Here at HQ we know in can be hard it can be as a busy mum to get the nutrients you need. That’s why we have created our high-quality nutrient powders to help support a healthy milk supply and help you get whole food sources of vitamins. Check out how our Re-Energise or Post Birth Vitality whole food supplements can help.
References
1. Trivedi MS, Hodgson NW, Walker SJ, Trooskens G, Nair V, Deth RC. Epigenetic effects of casein-derived opioid peptides in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2015;12:54.
2. Bauer J, Gerss J (2011), Longitudinal analysis of macronutrients and minerals in human milk produced by mothers of preterm infants. Clin Nutr 30(2):215–220.
3. Hassiotou F et al. Cells in human milk: state of the science. J Human Lact. 2013;29(2):171-182.
4. Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013;60(1):49-74.
5. Moukarzel S, Bode L. Human milk oligosaccharides and the preterm infant: a journey in sickness and in health. Clin perinatol. 2017;44(1):193-207.
6. Brandtzaeg P. The mucosal immune system and its integration with the mammary glands. J Pediatr. 2010;156(2 Suppl):S8-15.