{"id":10538,"date":"2021-07-30T21:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-31T01:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10538\/weird-facts-about-breastfeeding\/"},"modified":"2024-07-13T15:38:38","modified_gmt":"2024-07-13T19:38:38","slug":"weird-facts-about-breastfeeding","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10538\/weird-facts-about-breastfeeding\/","title":{"rendered":"10 interesting facts about breastfeeding"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Think you know everything there is to know about breastfeeding? Think again! Even if you\u2019ve already learned a lot about lactation, you might be surprised by some of the details of just how nature’s all-<\/span>Baby<\/span>-can-eat-buffet works. Some facts are fun, some are downright fantastic, and some might seem a little weird. But if you\u2019re thinking of breastfeeding once your baby arrives, you\u2019ll want to be aware of all that could be in store.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

You’ll burn calories<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When you feed your baby, your body’s working overtime! Experts estimate that it takes about 25% more energy to make your breast milk for each day. That\u2019s a serious increase \u2014 even from pregnancy \u2014 and you’ll feel the hunger and thirst. It\u2019s important to eat well and get enough energy on board! It\u2019s also estimated that protein requirements specifically go up by at least 15 grams. Pro tip: keep taking your prenatal vitamin and talk to your provider about other supplements you may need while breastfeeding!<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing a baby cry could make your breasts start to leak<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When your baby latches onto your breast, their<\/span> sucking triggers release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates milk production. This release of breast milk, called the let-down reflex, usually happens after Baby<\/span> has been sucking for about 1-2 minutes. Some people feel the let-down reflex as a tingling or a warmth and others don\u2019t feel anything at all! But other stimuli can trigger the production of oxytocin too, including emotional ones like looking at a picture of Baby<\/span>, thinking of them<\/span>, or hearing a recording of them<\/span>. Sometimes hearing any baby cry, not just your own, can trigger your let-down reflex. This can be awkward or messy, but it\u2019s just your body\u2019s way of knowing what to do when a baby needs milk!<\/span><\/p>\n

You might get cramps<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Not only does Baby<\/span>\u2019s sucking cause the release of oxytocin so that your milk can flow freely, but oxytocin also creates uterine contractions. Some people don\u2019t really notice these cramps. Others might feel them kick in like clockwork while nursing in the early days after delivery. Although they can be painful, these cramps (also called afterpains) are helpful. When you’re pregnant, your uterus \u2014 a super strong muscle \u2014 has to grow much larger to make room for Baby<\/span>, and the contractions that cause cramps also help to squeeze your uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bigger breasts don\u2019t mean more milk production<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Though you might assume otherwise, milk glands are what matter when it comes to milk production, not breast size. The larger the breast size, the more fatty tissues that exist, but it doesn’t change the milk glands at all, so someone with an A-cup can actually make the same amount of milk as someone with a double D, they just have less fatty tissue compared to glandular (milk-making) tissue. Even if your bust is on the smaller side, you\u2019re just as likely to be able to make plenty of milk for Baby<\/span> as someone with a larger size!<\/span><\/p>\n

Your nipples may get uncomfortable\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This isn’t a <\/span>fun<\/span><\/em> fact, but it\u2019s the truth. While you might hope that breastfeeding will be nothing but smooth sailing, things can be somewhat sore for the first few weeks or longer. Getting Baby<\/span> to latch onto your breast at all, let alone correctly, can take time, and those initial 8-12 feeding sessions a day with a newborn can leave your nipples feeling sensitive and sore. The discomfort can range from slight tenderness to cracked and bleeding skin as you and your baby learn to latch successfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, most people find that their nipples do feel comfortable in just a few weeks, and as Baby<\/span> grows and their<\/span> mouth gets bigger, you might find even more comfort, as they latches<\/span> on more expertly. In the meantime, you can use nipple salves or balms like lanolin, nipple shields, or warm or cool compresses to provide some relief. Even if those early days are a bit tender, it\u2019s important to get Baby<\/span> to latch on correctly and have enough time feeding at your breast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, certain types of breast pain could be evidence of infection or other problems. And since every person\u2019s experience with breastfeeding is different, do speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about what\u2019s normal in terms of discomfort and what might help you feel better. <\/span>If nipple tenderness or soreness has turned to nipple pain while feeding, that might be a sign that you could use some expert help. A board certified lactation consultant is a great place to start!<\/span><\/p>\n

Your milk will change over time<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The nutritional composition of your milk will change over time to keep up with Baby<\/span>‘s nutritional needs. The first few days after they is<\/span> born, instead of what you might usually think of as milk, you’ll actually produce a fluid called <\/span>colostrum<\/span><\/em> that is rich in protein and antibodies. It will help your baby\u2019s new digestive system function properly, pass along immunity, and help them<\/span> gain weight. In just a few days, this colostrum will transition to mature milk, first thin and watery and then thicker and creamier. As you continue to feed your baby over the coming months, the composition of this milk will continue to change, providing just the nutrients that Baby<\/span> needs at that particular time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your milk comes from many holes, not just the obvious one<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you had to guess the spot where breast milk comes out, you might guess that it\u2019s right in the center of the nipple. In reality, milk comes from many openings in the nipple. Called milk duct orifices, these tiny holes usually number from around four to twenty per breast. Babies who are correctly latched onto the breast will have their mouths covering the entire areola, not just the tip of the nipple, so they can drink the milk from these multiple holes without a problem and without too much mess.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can breastfeed with body modifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many folks with breast implants can still breastfeed successfully. Implant incisions made through the armpit or underneath the breast tend to interfere with breastfeeding the least, whereas incisions around the areola can potentially increase problems with feeding like reduced nipple sensitivity or blocked milk ducts. And implant placement below the pectoralis muscle usually leaves the milk glands intact for future feeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your body mods include nipple piercings, the hole created as a result shouldn\u2019t interfere with feedings either. As mentioned above, breastmilk comes from many holes at once, so extra holes won\u2019t cause a problem. Just make sure that you remove your nipple jewelry before breastfeeding. And keep in mind that newer piercings have an increased risk of infection, so they should be fully healed before you attempt breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your libido<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although your breasts will look and feel different as they take on the responsibility of feeding baby, the way your partner views your breasts might not change much. Chances are your breasts may still be a turn-on even though your perspective on your breasts \u2014 and sex in general \u2014 may be ice cold. For some people, breastfeeding hormones decrease libido or make it feel like your breasts shouldn\u2019t be looked at or touched sexually. It\u2019s important to honor your feelings and communicate with your partner about potentially new, and likely temporary, boundaries for your body.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might get turned on<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speaking of getting turned-on, arousal during breastfeeding can be a common, if confusing, occurrence. The fact of the matter is that the nipple is an erogenous zone, and erogenous zones usually feel good when stimulated; this doesn\u2019t stop just because you\u2019ve had a baby. Rest assured knowing that even if it\u2019s taboo to talk about and many people experience this physical response. Most importantly, the physical arousal you feel is totally separate from how you feel emotionally towards your baby, so there\u2019s really no need to be weirded out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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