Today kicks off National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 through 7. The benefits of breastfeeding are known by many, but do you know what is really in breastmik and why it is important to your child?
Our recent June & July “Wordy Wednesday” Facebook Posts showcased 8 common and not-so-well known words we think every breastfeeding mother needs to know, as well as what these breastmilk properties give your little one.
Here’s a countdown of the top 5 words, including #1 THYMUS, the most-celebrated Wordy Wednesday with 1,168 shares and 85 Likes.
# 5 Colostrum
Why it’s important to your child: Colostrum contains the mother’s strong antibodies and other immune system activating substances important for your child’s health!
#4 Alpha-Linolenic acid
Why it’s important to your child: Infants who are breastfed are almost guaranteed to get their daily requirement of the fatty acid as long as their mom maintains a healthy diet. As an added bonus, 100% activity remains in pasteurized, donated breast milk!
# 3 Lactoferrin
Why it’s important to your child: Lactoferrin does not appear in commercial formulas, shorting your hungry newborn of the important antibacterial, antiviral, antiparastic, and anti-allergic properties of a natural immune system.
#2 IgG (Immunoglobulin G)
Why it’s important to your child: IgG does not appear in commercial formula, meaning your child is not as well protected against the pathogens that exist in your daily life.
# 1. Thymus
Why it’s important to your child: Lars Hanson, Immunobiology of Human Milk, reports that the thymus of an exclusively breastfed child is twice as large as a formula fed infant. A healthier thymus means a healthier, happier baby.
Want to see the other three words? You can find them all on our new Pinterest page. Enjoy!