August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which focuses on bringing awareness to the importance of breastfeeding.
We asked AdvantageCare Physicians OB/GYN Dr.Kameelah Phillips to share eight facts about breastfeeding that you may not know.
- Breastfed infants are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Breastfeeding mothers sleep on average 45 minutes more a night, compared to those who formula feed.
- Breast milk contains antibodies and protein that protect babies from infection, boost immunity and prevent constipation.
- On average, it takes 1,000 calories a day to produce break milk. This can help with postpartum weight loss.
- Breast milk is 87% water. Breastfed babies do not need to be supplemented with extra water.
- The color of milk can change with your diet, medication, vitamins and food additives. Milk color can range from off white, yellow, blue and orange-tinged.
- Breastmilk changes with every feeding to make the perfect milk for the baby. Milk at the beginning of the day can be different than milk during an evening feeding.
- Breast size has little impact on the ability to breast feed. Both small and large breasts can effectively feed a baby.
