In the world of breastfeeding, many mothers can relate to the countless storage bags filled with expressed milk crowding the fridge and freezer. Recently, an Arkansas mom experienced an unexpected surprise when she examined one of her milk bags and shared the image on Facebook, sparking over 70,000 shares.
What Makes This Image So Remarkable?
Jessica Taylor asserts that it showcases how a mother’s body instinctively produces milk tailored to her child’s specific needs. “This is just mind-blowingly awesome,” she began her post. “I came across a medical journal article discussing how a mother’s milk adapts not only in calorie content but in various ways to meet the baby’s requirements. When a baby breastfeeds, it creates a vacuum that allows the infant’s saliva to enter the mother’s nipple.”
She referenced a 2013 study investigating whether pathogens in a baby’s saliva could prompt the mother’s body to create milk with a modified immunological profile and specific antibodies. The theory suggests that when a baby is unwell, their saliva communicates with the mother’s body, leading to the production of nutrient-rich milk filled with antibodies to combat illness.
A Personal Experience
“I kept this information in mind until I was organizing my frozen milk,” she explained. After pumping milk the night before and then noticing her baby struggling with what seemed to be a cold, she expressed more milk the following morning. The resulting bag appeared to contain milk resembling colostrum—often referred to as “super milk” due to its high levels of antibodies and leukocytes produced in the initial days postpartum. This was the milk produced after nursing her sick baby through the night.
“Part of the immunity provided by breast milk may depend on the interplay of milk and baby saliva,” according to Science News. “This backwash could be sending signals that prompt a mother’s body to create customized immune boosters that are delivered through her milk.” Colostrum, the early milk produced just after birth, is rich in leukocytes, and as the baby matures, these levels typically decline unless an infection occurs, at which point leukocyte levels spike again.
The Science Behind It
While this theory remains a hypothesis, biologist Angela Roberts from Arizona State University emphasizes its plausibility in light of current physiological knowledge. Indeed, a mother’s body is truly remarkable.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more information on home insemination and related topics, check out this helpful resource about pregnancy. Additionally, consider exploring this blog post that delves deeper into various aspects of home insemination. For those interested in fertility solutions, Make a Mom offers valuable insights on boosting male fertility.
Conclusion
In summary, Jessica’s viral photo beautifully illustrates the unique adaptability of breast milk in response to a baby’s health needs, reinforcing the incredible capabilities of a mother’s body.