How milk composition influences mothering styles
When supporting new parents, I often discuss the fascinating comparison between humans and kangaroos. Kangaroos are among the few mammals that give birth to their babies at a less developed stage than humans. After birth, kangaroo joeys crawl up into their mother's pouch and attach themselves to the nipple, essentially feeding around the clock. Similarly, human babies, if given the chance, instinctively crawl up their mother's chest and latch onto the breast for nourishment. They require frequent feeding. Unfortunately, unlike kangaroos, we don't have a natural pouch. However, we have the advantage of strong arms, a comfortable curvy body to lie on, and the ability to create a makeshift pouch by wrapping fabric around ourselves.
Humans belong to the category of "carry" mammals, which includes apes and marsupials. These mammals give birth to the most underdeveloped infants compared to other mammals. Our babies are entirely reliant on their mothers for sustenance, warmth, and protection. They need to be fed frequently, resulting in human breast milk having relatively low levels of fat and protein.
In contrast, there are other types of mammals known as "follow" mammals, such as horses and giraffes. Their offspring can walk shortly after birth and can keep up with their mothers, enabling them to feed more intermittently. The milk of these mammals has slightly higher fat and protein content than that of carry mammals. "Nest" mammals, like dogs and cats, leave their babies for periods of time and return intermittently to nurse them. Consequently, their milk needs to be higher in fat and protein to sustain the babies during the waiting periods. Lastly, "cache" animals, including rabbits and deer, leave their babies in a safe location and return every 12 hours or so to nurse them. As a result, their milk contains much higher levels of fat and protein to provide sustenance for longer durations.
Many baby books mistakenly categorize humans as nest animals, when in fact, we are carry mammals. Human babies naturally seek constant physical contact and frequent feeding. Our breast milk is perfectly designed to meet these needs. This behavior is entirely normal for newborns.
Breastfeeding past 2 years
Breastfeeding past 2 years is known as extended breastfeeding. While breastfeeding is recommended as the best source of nutrition for infants up to 6 months of age, the World Health Organization recommends that mothers continue to breastfeed their children for at least two years and beyond, along with introducing appropriate complementary foods.
Extended breastfeeding has been associated with numerous benefits for both the mother and child. Breast milk provides a range of nutrients that can help support a child's immune system and overall health, and it can also provide comfort and a sense of security for both the child and mother. For the mother, extended breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Here are some of the benefits:
For the child:
Boosts immunity: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that can help protect the child from infections and illnesses.
Better brain development: Breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for brain development, and studies have shown that prolonged breastfeeding is associated with better cognitive development.
Provides comfort and emotional support: Breastfeeding provides a sense of comfort and security for the child and can be a source of emotional support during times of stress or illness.
Improved nutrition: Breast milk continues to provide important nutrients, including protein, fat, and vitamins, that are essential for a child's growth and development.
For the mother:
Reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer: Studies have shown that extended breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Reduced risk of osteoporosis: Breastfeeding helps to preserve bone density and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Bonding and emotional support: Breastfeeding can be a source of bonding and emotional support for the mother and child, providing a sense of closeness and connection.