How Does Breast Feeding Work?

Milk Production Begins Before Birth

A pregnant mother begins making milk in the form of colostrum even before her baby is born. This colostrum is what the baby receives when he or she first begins to nurse and it is rich in nutrients that are important for growth and the immune system.

Once the baby is born, a mother's hormones undergo yet another change that prompts the rapid production of milk, usually two to three days after the baby's birth. In the meantime, a baby gets all he needs from the colostrum.

Hormones at Work

When a baby suckles at the breast, the hormone oxytocin is released within the mother. This stimulates milk production or "let down." The milk literally comes down the milk ducts ready to be squeezed out by the babies suckling action. Oxytocin is also a "feel good" hormone, causing the mother to experience pleasure. This is one reason why breast feeding can be such a bonding experience for the mother.

The more a baby feeds, the more breast milk the mother's body makes up until the day the baby is weaned.

Prolactin is the other important hormone in milk production, which is responsible for turning nutrients from the mother's blood supply into nourishing breast milk for baby.

Feeding Your Baby is a Bonding Experience

Breast feeding is a unique bonding time. Babies have been known to instinctively find the breast without assistance if given the opportunity. Many breastfed babies' first experience outside of the womb is suckling at the breast. It comes naturally to them. A baby's physiology is such that they cannot see any further away than the distance between the breast and their mother's face, and this also contributes to bonding.
Breastfed infants tend to feed more often than bottle-fed babies because breast milk is easily digestible and therefore the baby needs to eat more frequently, often "on demand." This time spent in the arms of mother can contribute to a feeling of safety and a deep and lasting bond.

Higher IQs, Healthy Immune Function and More

Breast milk is the perfect food. It has the exact proportions of fats, sugars and proteins needed. Studies have shown that children who were breastfed have higher IQs and, because breast milk contains antibodies, healthier immune systems. Why do breast fed babies have higher IQs than their non-breast fed counterparts? Many say it is because of the fats in breast milk. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the Omega-3 fats, which are essential to brain development and proper function, increase a child's IQ.