When the baby sucks on the breast, a small amount of saliva can be drawn back into the mother's milk ducts, a process called "retrograde duct flow."

There are some pretty incredible physiological events that occur when a mother breastfeeds her baby, which includes the phenomenon of the 'backwash effect'.

"The 'backwash effect' refers to the phenomenon where a breastfeeding baby's saliva is drawn back into the mother's nipple during feeding, carrying signals about the baby's current health needs, which then triggers the mother's mammary glands to produce customised antibodies and nutrients specifically tailored to those needs, essentially creating "made-to-order" breast milk to support the baby's immune system in real-time." - Oh Baby Nutrition

The Beauty of Breastmilk

Human breastmilk is a living substance, so complex to this day - that scientists are still fascinated by it and continue to research it's natural and powerful properties.

Breastmilk under a microscope



#1
Breast milk is an alive substance! It’s packed with 1,000+ proteins, adapts to your baby’s needs, and even produces more antibodies when your baby is unwell. It’s uniquely tailored to each baby, reducing the risk of diseases for both mother and child.

#2
Breast milk is a personalized form of nourishment for babies - "made to order" and contains nutrients that are best for their needs at the time, including brain growth and nervous system development. 

 
#3
Breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that a baby requires for those initial months of life, and continues to provide up to half or more of a child's nutritional needs for the first year. Breastmilk is easy to digest. 
It’s easily absorbed into your baby’s system.


#4
Colostrum is the first breastmilk that babies get when they’re born. Colostrum boosts your baby’s immune system and supports their growth and development. Its yellowy in colour and is referred to as "liquid gold".


#5
The hormones released when you breastfeed help your uterus shrink back to its
pre-pregnancy size.

All the above are interesting facts about breastmilk, however, wether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby, fed is best. 

Here at Mumma Milla, we love providing information on all aspects of pregnancy, postpartum and your feeding journey, and hope this information helps for those who are on a breastfeeding journey with your baby.