08/27/2026
With a few days remaining of National Breastfeeding Month, we celebrate moms, babies, and the incredible gift of breastfeeding. Here are 10 awesome facts about the benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk.
1) Breastmilk has 50% of baby’s genetic material.
2) The largest randomized trial ever conducted in human lactation found that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding improves children’s cognitive development.
3) There are over 400 different components that make up breastmilk found to date and they are still finding more!
4) There is an immune layer in all breastmilk that is the highest in colostrum and regression milk. (This means that vulnerable newborns and toddlers that get into everything have even more immune factors to protect them from sickness.)
5) Breastfed babies get fewer ear, lung, and stomach infections. They are hospitalized less often. It reduces the risk of asthma and diabetes.
6) Breastfeeding reduces the chances of SIDS significantly.
7) Breastmilk has antibacterial, anti-protozoan, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory factors. It has hormones, enzymes, & growth factors! None of which can be replicated in formula.
8)Oxytocin released in both the mom and baby’s brain while breastfeeding helps digestion and healing for both. Reduces anxiety in both and enhances bonding and trust.
9) Beta-endorphins found in breastmilk are 18-33x more potent than morphine! They have a significant pain reducing effect. These levels are highest in neonates. (The NICU nurse in me will never get over this🥹)
10) Breastfeeding helps oral-motor and visual development for babies!
You should be proud of all the time and effort you put into breastfeeding. You are giving your child the best start to their health journey, one that has benefits throughout the course of their entire life!
