We're always being told that breast is best, and in many ways, it is very beneficial to both mum and baby - sometimes in ways that you wouldn't know of.
Here are a few surprising things about breastfeeding you probably didn't know...
1. Every mum's breast milk has a unique scent. While you're likely unaware of this, your baby isn't. Babies can differentiate between their mum's and another woman's.
2. Breast milk has healing components, so if feeding your little one leaves you feeling sore, why not massage some of the milk on the sore spots?
3. Breastfed babies are less susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
4. Even if you're feeling a bit under the weather, you can still breastfeed. By the time you show symptoms, the baby has already been exposed to the virus or bacteria. It's actually a good thing for your baby to be exposed to your antibodies as this will help build their immune system.
5. The risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and both breast and ovarian cancer may be reduced through breastfeeding.
6. Whether you have big or small boobs pre-baby has no impact on how much milk you produce.
7. A new mum's body can bounce back to normal a little faster while breastfeeding. This is because the hormones released when you're breastfeeding help your uterus bounce back to pre-pregnancy size.
8. Breastfeeding is a bit like going to the gym. It can burn the same amount of calories as walking up to seven miles would.
9. Breastfed babies get sick less. It reduces the risk of ear infections and stomach issues, as well as their risk of asthma, diabetes and childhood obesity in the future.
10. As your baby gets a flavour of your diet through your milk, they may be more open to a variety of solid foods later on.
11. A mum's breast can detect if her baby's body temperature fluctuates even a degree and will warm or cool as needed.
12. Approximately 75% of mums produce more milk from their right breast than from their left. Little bit of trivia for you!
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