Whether planning to breastfeed a newborn or not, the majority of women will develop milk. This milk is nature’s way of producing and providing the baby with everything needed for strong development and immune system. Some women choose not to breastfeed at which time medication can be taken to dry the milk up but for women who choose this method of feeding over formula will find the baby is actually healthier and often builds a stronger bond with mom.
The ability to breastfeed begins during pregnancy, a time when the body starts to prepare naturally. While pregnant, proper intake of calcium is vital but with the baby growing, the body also becomes highly efficient at using calcium. While breastfeeding your baby, the body handles calcium through urine elimination and by taking it from the bones. Usually, you would have adequate calcium for the baby but not for you, which is why increasing intake from 550 mg to 1250 mg a day is recommended.
In addition, during breastfeeding, a number of hormonal changes occur. The one hormone that triggers the beginning of breast milk is called Prolactin. This hormone also interferes with the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone. The result is a reduction in the production of estrogen, which is what works in a woman’s body as a natural form of contraceptive. However, many women are not aware that soon after they have a baby and even while breastfeeding, they can still become pregnant.
Breastfeeding is a personal choice and bottle-feeding is not bad or wrong. On the other hand, breast milk is naturally formulated to be the perfect combination of things the baby needs in the beginning of life. This means giving the baby all the nutrition required but also to build a stronger immune system. Therefore, if you have not determined if you will breastfeed your newborn or not, we recommend you take time to consider all the benefits first.