What's in Breastmilk, Anyway?

I love reading everything posted on API Speaks, the blog of Attachment Parenting International.  But every so often the depth of information there blows me away.  That was the case of the recent two part series on the Composition of Breastmilk.  Amazing information.  In Part 1, I learned that:

Recent scientific discoveries have revealed that breastmilk is the only adult tissue that has more than one type of stem cell present.

Wow, I'm not a scientist, but I do know that stem cells are pretty powerful stuff. 

The author includes incredibly specific information about the components, and POWER, of colostrum.  I also didn't know that a newborn baby's stomach is the size of a marble, which is why the low volumn of colostrum produced is all they need to eat.  Within the first week, their stomach grows to the size of their fist. 

Part 2 focuses on what's in mature breastmilk, what babies drink from about 2 weeks of age on. She also discusses that the closer you get to weaning, breastmilk gets more concentrated with immunity boosters.  So gradual weaning gives your child a final burst of support. 

One thing I did know is "mothers produce antibodies to what ever disease is present in their environment, making their milk custom-designed to fight diseases their babies are exposed to as well" - this is the reason I am so grateful to still be nursing whenever I or my kids get sick. 

I also love that in addition to the comfort from mother and baby being close, nursing produces calming hormones in the mother, and pain suppressors in the baby. 

Thank you, Dionna and Attachment Parenting, for your amazing research!  And thanks to all the breastfeeding moms out there for giving your kids an amazing start.