Breastmilk is nothing short of incredible. Researchers have found that breastmilk has more than 200 components, some of which they have yet to discover what they do.
As a complete option for baby, breastmilk contains everything your newborn baby needs.
Further, breastmilk is not constant—it changes according to the day, night, age of baby, season, and breastfeeding pattern. Simply put, breastmilk adapts on a complex biological level.
While breastmilk does act as the only “food” your baby needs in the first six months, breastmilk is 87.5% water and can keep baby hydrated, even in those hot summer months. You don’t need to worry about supplementing with water.
Breastmilk includes all of the fantastic, major components below:
- Water
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- DHA/ARA
- Fat
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Enzymes
- Growth Factors
- Anti-parasites
- Anti-allergies
- Anti-viruses
- Hormones
- Antibodies
- Stem Cells
Formula is undoubtedly an adequate and valuable resource for parents who cannot, or choose not to, provide breastmilk. However, as shown in the image below, there are added benefits to breastmilk that boost digestion and the immune system.
Breastmilk has a wide variety of components that help with immunity (read more in our breastfeeding benefits blog post). In each teaspoon, breastmilk has three million germ-killing cells in it! These antimicrobial benefits are significant and can help your baby’s immune system in many ways. Breastfeeding may not always be easy, but whenever possible, it sure is worth it!
Blog post: Will I produce enough breastmilk for my baby?
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about breastmilk composition or any other breastfeeding questions and needs.
