3 Amazing Benefits of Breastfeeding

3 Amazing Benefits of Breastfeeding

October 28, 2022

After months of waiting, your little one is finally here. If you live in the Vancouver area and are considering breastfeeding clinic support in Vancouver, here are a few fascinating facts to encourage you in continuing your breastfeeding journey, even if sometimes part of that journey is asking for help.

Taste Sensations!

Did you know that breastmilk’s taste, smell, and even colour can change depending on variations in the mother’s diet? You read that right! Breastmilk changes its flavour profile along with the mother’s diet. Strong flavours like garlic or liquorice are perceptible to a breastfeeding baby. The hue of breastmilk will also change day to day, informed by diet, water content, and other factors. These colours can range from white to pink to gold to even blue-tinged. Breastfeeding a baby, while maintaining a healthy and varied diet, is a great way to get a head start on warding off those picky eaters.  By exposing a baby to a range of tastes and smells early on through breastfeeding, when it comes time to repeat those same tastes in solid form, often they are more familiar. Seeking out breastfeeding clinic support in Vancouver is a great way to get more information about nutrition and diet while breastfeeding.

Ward Off the Sniffles

Breastmilk is composed of all sorts of nutrients, but did you know it’s also full of helpful antibodies for your growing infant? Throughout her life, the mother is exposed to a range of colds and illnesses. As this happens, she builds antibodies against them which are then passed down to the baby through breastmilk. If the mother has a cold, as her body fights the infection, it actively produces antibodies which are contained in her breastmilk to help protect her baby. If you and your little one do catch a cold, don’t stop breastfeeding. Not only is the hydration helpful for your baby, but every nursing session sends a bolstering dose of those antibodies to speed up recovery.

Baking With Breastmilk

If you find that your little one is showing interest in some simple solids but isn’t quite ready for dairy, breastmilk makes an excellent dairy substitute in recipes! A delicious apple and vanilla custard can be made with egg yolk, pureed cooked apple, and breastmilk if your baby is old enough to consume solid foods. If you’re able to express enough milk to keep some on hand, mixing breastmilk in with mashed fruits and vegetables can help transition your baby more comfortably to solid foods without introducing dairy too soon. Working with lactation consultants can help you learn about pumping, storing, and using breastmilk in the kitchen.

Breastfeeding can be such a powerful journey to embark on. There are many challenges that a mother may face when trying to figure out how to build a life around the demands of a nursing infant. Fortunately, if you live in the Lower Mainland, there is breastfeeding clinic support in Vancouver where trained professionals can help you feel a little less overwhelmed and get back to enjoying this precious time with your little one.

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