10 FUN FACTS ABOUT BREASTFEEDING

Did you know that breastfeeding your baby can burn up to 600 calories a day on average? Yes—that’s almost the equivalent of a running session or a trip to the gym! Even if it feels like you’re quietly feeding your baby from the comfort of your home (or anywhere else), your body is actually hard at work. Producing milk requires a lot of energy, activating several physiological processes. So, every feeding session becomes a real workout! 💪

Breast milk isn’t always the same, it can actually change in flavor depending on what you eat. Spices, cabbage, asparagus… many foods can subtly influence the taste of your milk before it reaches your baby. Having a varied diet while breastfeeding helps expose your baby to a range of flavors from an early age, which can make them more open to diverse foods later on.

And don’t worry! Even if foods like chili peppers alter the taste of your milk, its pH level remains unchanged. 🌶️

According to a study, breastfeeding mothers get, on average, 45 minutes more sleep per night compared to women who don’t breastfeed or who use formula. Nursing stimulates the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”—which also has a calming effect. Contrary to what one might think, a breastfeeding mom can experience more restorative sleep, even with the frequent night wakings caused by her baby. This extra quality of sleep is like a little boost from your own body. ✨

It’s possible that one of your breasts produces more milk than the other, and this is completely normal! Many mothers notice a slight asymmetry in milk production, which can sometimes even cause a difference in breast size. This variation can be due to several factors: the baby’s preferred side, differences in blood flow, or variations in nerve stimulation. 👩‍🍼

If it doesn’t bother you, there’s no need to worry! However, if you want to balance milk production, you can try starting each feeding on the less productive breast or using a breast pump to stimulate lactation. Don’t hesitate to consult professionals for personalized guidance as well!

Blue, green, orange, or even pink—breast milk can take on surprising hues depending on your diet or the stage of a feeding. For example, at the beginning of a feed, milk is often more watery and may appear slightly bluish due to its high water content. Certain foods can also influence the color of breast milk: green vegetables like spinach can give it a greenish tint, while carrots or sweet potatoes may add an orange hue!

And don’t worry if your milk looks pinker than usual, it could simply be from beets you recently ate. These harmless color variations simply reflect the nutrients being passed from mother to baby! 🎨

In rare cases, some women may be surprised to discover that their armpits can also respond to breastfeeding. The reason is simple: breast tissue sometimes extends into the armpits, which can lead to milk engorgement and even slight milk production under the arms, especially in the first few days after giving birth. While this phenomenon is little known, it is entirely possible. If it happens, it usually disappears once breastfeeding is well established, as the body adjusts its milk production. 👶

You may also have heard about the buzz on social media around Linda Jones, the new mom who shared how her armpits produced milk after giving birth to her triplets.

It’s common to feel very thirsty while breastfeeding. This is perfectly normal, your body is signaling that it needs to stay hydrated to produce milk. Remember, milk production requires a lot of water, so make sure you drink enough to meet your body’s needs. Keep a glass of water nearby during feeds—because even moms need to stay hydrated! 💧

Did you know that babies see most clearly up to about 30 cm away? That’s roughly the distance between them and their mother’s face during breastfeeding. Beyond nourishing themselves, babies use each feed to observe your facial features and meet your gaze. These moments of closeness are essential, they not only promote attachment but also stimulate visual development from the very beginning.

Next time you nurse, take a moment to exchange a tender look with your baby—every feeding is an opportunity to strengthen this already unique bond.

While breastfeeding in public is now considered a right in many countries, it wasn’t until 2018 that the United States officially allowed it in all states. Before then, Idaho and Utah were the last two states not legally protecting mothers who breastfeed in public.

The law’s adoption wasn’t without controversy, some politicians feared that mothers would “show off”, but despite the debates, the law now guarantees all women in the U.S. the right to breastfeed “anywhere, anytime” (😉) without having to hide.

Since the 1980s, Brazil has established a vast network of human milk banks, combining breastfeeding promotion, training, and milk collection for premature babies. Today, Brazil has nearly 228 lactariums—about a third of all milk banks worldwide. 🍼

Every year, thousands of Brazilian mothers donate their milk to the Fernandes Figueira Institute, helping to save around 170,000 premature babies annually! Another surprising fact: the milk collection is carried out by firefighters themselves—and it’s free of charge!

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As you can see, breastfeeding is much more than you might imagine, full of surprises and remarkable power. Feel free to share other interesting breastfeeding facts with us via DM or email! 💛

@tajinebanane