The Magic of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is truly a miracle. The more I learn about breastfeeding the more I am in awe of the intelligence of our design. Most people have no clue about the intricacies of how the breastmilk is perfectly formulated for that mother’s particular child, or how sophisticated the mechanics of breastfeeding are. Well, let me inform you! Get ready to be amazed…
These mind-blowing facts are part of the material I am learning in my mentorship program with Dr Steph Libs, DC, CACCP. Thank you Dr Steph!
The nipple is a two-way valve! When a baby breastfeeds not only does the nipple release milk but it also takes in the baby’s saliva to gather information about the health of the baby. The mother’s body scans the baby’s saliva and send signals to the pituitary gland to release the nutrients needed in that moment. Breastfeeding gives her immune system a real-time update to customize milk on demand. Wow!
Breastmilk composition shifts during an illness. You can see the differences in color of a mothers milk when she’s sick or exposed to illness through her baby’s saliva. The milk becomes richer in antibodies specific to the pathogen that the mom or baby is fighting! It’s so cool that the brain and nervous system know exactly how to respond.
Breastmilk is alive! It contains stem cells, white blood cells, living probiotics, enzymes, and even cells that help repair gut lining and brain tissue. Colostrum is full of secretory IgA, which coats the baby’s intestines and protects against pathogens without triggering an inflammatory response. This is their first real immune armor.
Secretory IgA protects against so many things! It coats the airway to protect against things like RSV and the flu. It also attaches to the lining of the gut to protect against things like rotavirus, e. Coli and salmonella. It also helps prime the gut for introduction of solids and reduces the potential for food allergies.
Breastmilk changes throughout the day. It has more cortisol in the morning and more melatonin at night to help regulate the baby’s circadian rhythm. This is useful to keep in mind if you are pumping or using donor milk. When possible, give your baby milk in the morning that was pumped in the morning, and milk at night that was pumped at night.
Breastfeeding literally rewires the infant’s brain. Enhancing sensory integration, emotional regulation, and social bonding pathways. Babies use up to 60 muscles just to breastfeed. It's a full cranial nerve workout, and restrictions anywhere along the spine or skull can interfere with this powerful process.
Pretty impressive right?! The human body is so much smarter than our educated minds could ever be.
I know from working with so many new moms that breastfeeding can be extremely challenging despite her best efforts. Chiropractic care can support breastfeeding and literally change the trajectory of that baby’s life. Breastfed babies are healthier because they are receiving the exact nutrients, antibodies and support that they need in real time. This impacts their immediate health as well as the health for the rest of their lives. The CDC says, “Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.” CDC
The CDC also recommends that for the first 6 months of a babies life they be exclusively breastfed, and continue to breastfeed until the child is 12 months or older. Breastfeeding after 12 months is still extremely beneficial and a wonderful way to create a strong foundation of health for that child.
What the CDC doesn’t mention is the powerful neurological impact breastfeeding has on the baby as well, meaning that breastfeeding helps drive baby’s brain development, plus the impact it has on the baby’s emotional health through bonding with mom.
Chiropractic supports breastfeeding by improving neural function, biomechanical ease, and the comfort and coordination needed for feeding success. By adjusting the spine and cranial bones chiropractic care empowers the baby’s neurology and literally shifts the baby’s structure so that it is easier to for the baby to latch onto the nipple, effectively feed and, for both mom and baby, to have a positive breastfeeding experience.
I love working with babies and I am passionate about pediatric chiropractic care. If you have any questions regarding what getting a baby adjusted looks like, how it effects the baby’s functioning or the other possible benefits please don’t hesitate to reach out!