A recent post by a mother from Arkansas has gone viral, showcasing the extraordinary benefits of breast milk. As many mothers know, the routine of storing pumped milk often leads to a collection of plastic bags in the fridge and freezer. However, one particular bag caught the eye of Mallory Johnson, prompting her to share a photo on social media that has since garnered over 70,000 shares.
What Makes This Image Noteworthy?
Johnson asserts that it highlights how a mother’s body instinctively adapts to provide precisely what her child requires. “This is just mind-blowing,” she begins her post. “I came across a research article that discussed how breast milk changes to meet a baby’s needs beyond just calorie content. When a baby nurses, it creates a suction, allowing the infant’s saliva to enter the mother’s nipple.”
She refers to a 2013 study which investigated whether pathogens in a baby’s saliva influence the composition of breast milk, effectively allowing the mother’s body to produce milk with enhanced immunological properties and tailored antibodies. The theory suggests that a sick baby’s saliva sends signals to the mother, prompting her body to generate nutrient-rich milk filled with antibodies aimed at combating illness.
“I remembered this research while I was organizing my frozen milk,” she explained. The milk she pumped the previous night was noticeably different from what she produced the following morning, after her baby struggled with cold-like symptoms. The second bag appeared similar to colostrum, the nutrient-dense “super milk” packed with antibodies and leukocytes produced in the early days following birth. This change in milk composition seemed to occur after a night of nursing a sick child.
The Science Behind Breast Milk Adaptation
Research indicates that the immune benefits of breast milk may be influenced by a combination of milk and baby saliva, with this “backwash” potentially signaling the mother’s body to create specialized immune factors that are then transferred back to the baby through milk. Science News elaborates on this, noting that colostrum is rich in leukocytes, and these levels can spike in response to infections as the baby grows.
Though the “special-order” hypothesis remains to be conclusively proven, biologist Amanda Reed from Arizona State University suggests it is a plausible explanation given our current understanding of physiology. Indeed, the capabilities of a mother’s body are nothing short of remarkable.
Further Exploration
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Conclusion
In summary, the viral photo shared by Johnson highlights the incredible adaptability of breast milk in response to a baby’s needs, showcasing the powerful bond between mother and child. This unique phenomenon underscores the importance of breastfeeding and the significant health benefits it provides.
Keyphrase: Healing properties of breast milk
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