Breastfeeding Facts

Breastfeeding aids in the uterus returning to original size after birth

• Breastfeeding causes the release of a hormone called Oxytocin
• Oxytocin is also responsible for the contraction of the uterus and therefore helps to decrease the size of the uterus after birth.

An average breastfeed lasts 16 minutes

• this is the average time for you to sit at intervals during the day and night for that special time with your baby
• a time for relaxation, contemplation and pure enjoyment - just you and your baby.

You only produce a small amount of milk in the first few days

• This milk is called colosturm
• It is only produced in small amounts because that is all your baby needs. He only has a very small tummy and only needs a small amount to fill it
• This milk is rich in special goodies to help your baby's immune system and provides an excellent start in life
• After around day 3 or 4 you gradually produce more milk and the production adapts to your baby's demands

Breastfeeding burns calories

• when breastfeeding you burn up to an extra 500 calories per day
• while you sit and relax with your baby you are also burning calories. So the ideal way to lose weight with out the exercise!

Almost three-quarters of mums produce more milk with their right breast

• no correlation to being right or left handed, just a fact!

Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently

• they start breastfeeding with a faster suck for stimulation until you let-down. Then when your milk is flowing, they switch to a slower, deeper suck and eat until they’re full.

Breastfeeding reduces the exposure to sugar

• the only sugar a baby should have or even needs, is lactose. This is the harmless sugar found in breastmilk. sucrose is the alternative and can cause damage to erupting teeth

About a third of mums can’t sense 'let-down'

• 'let down' is when your milk starts to flow
• it can also be called milk ejection
• the average time it takes for let down to happen is 56 seconds
• watch for your milk to flow and see it happen.

Your baby controls your breastmilk flow with an instinctive action that includes sucking, swallowing and breathing

• milk flows only when your baby moves his tongue a certain way whilst holding onto the breast
• he is able to pace himself and only sucks and swallows when he wants
• your baby can also pause and breathe regularly without letting go of the breast!

Babies breastfeed until they’re full not until they 'empty' your breast.

• on average, babies remove 67% of the milk you have available – this amount can vary widely among mums.
• with bottle feeding, a baby will generally feed until the bottle is empty

Breast size is not important!

• no matter what size you are, you’ll make enough milk for your baby - A cups rejoice!

Your milk sprays out of many holes, not just one

• the average amount of openings in the nipple is 9, with some even up to 18

73% of mothers get outside help for breastfeeding problems

• it is so important to ask for advice or help if you need it and as you can see, this is a common practice
• there is and entire profession dedicated to successful breastfeeding
• Lactation Consultants (LC's) are passionate about helping you and your baby breastfeed
• follow the link for details of how to find an LC near you: www.iblce.org

For the normally flat-chested, a temporary boost!

• an excellent reason to keep going for at least 6 months as recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation)

82% of mothers use a breastpump

• whether it is because of going back to work or to help overcome a temporary separation or problem, a breastpump is a valuable tool
• discuss with your health professional and check out the rest of our website for further information

Breastfeeding exposes your baby to many different tastes and smells

• early exposure to different flavours can influence a child's acceptance of food when weaning (1,2,3)

Breastfeeding can help prevent cancer and reduces risk of osteoporosis (5,6)

• in countries were breastfeeding rates are higher, the commonest female cancers, ovarian, uterine and breast, are reduced
• breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life

Breastfeeding contributes to a better environment

• breastfeeding is energy efficient - no need to boil water/wash/sterilise
• less wastage with breastfeeding

References:

1. C. A. Forestell and J. A. Mennella Early Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Acceptance Pediatrics, December 1, 2007; 120(6): 1247 - 1254.
2. J. A. Mennella, C. E. Griffin, and G. K. Beauchamp Flavor Programming During Infancy Pediatrics, April 1, 2004; 113(4): 840 - 845.
3. J. A Mennella, C. A Forestell, L. K Morgan, and G. K Beauchamp Early milk feeding influences taste acceptance and liking during infancy Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, September 1, 2009; 90(3): 780S - 788S.
4. A. M. Stuebe, W. C. Willett, F. Xue, and K. B. Michels Lactation and Incidence of Premenopausal Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study Arch Intern Med, August 10, 2009; 169(15): 1364 - 1371.
5. N. Andrieu, D. E. Goldgar, D. F. Easton, M. Rookus, R. Brohet, A. C. Antoniou, S. Peock, G. Evans, D. Eccles, F. Douglas, et al. Pregnancies, breast-feeding, and breast cancer risk in the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study (IBCCS). J Natl Cancer Inst, April 19, 2006; 98(8): 535 - 544.