Breasts. Yes, that is what I am going to talk about today- so if that is a problem, skip reading this blog today- but PLEASE come back tomorrow. You see, I have an interest in breasts- not just because I am a male, but because this is a site to which I contribute: Ready, Set, Sleep, Nurse.
Breast feeding is a critical activity for every new mother- because it insures the health and well-being of their infant. This should be continued for 18 months or so- but at the very least for the first 6 to 9 months of life. There is NO better nutrition for your infant. (Of course, if you have had treatment for breast cancer and a few other maladies, we must find an alternative nutritional program.)
Given that, many of us may wonder, “How is it that babies generally know this is the way to be fed?” Well, Drs. Doucet, Soussignan, Paul Sagot, and Schaal (National Center for Scientific Research, Dijon) found out. It seems that the areolar glands (pigmented skin about the nipple) – the number of bumps around the nipple- increase during pregnancy and their secretions are critical to the process. It was originally thought that these secretions helped lubricate the skin. But, it’s the odor of the secretions that attracts the infant to the nipple (via pheromones).
Dr. Schaal’s group reported (in the journal, Early Human Development) the examination of the nipples of 121 new mothers during the first three days after birth. They monitored the number of glands, how long it took for the mothers to begin lactating, the babies body weight, and their sucking performances. It turned out that nine was the critical number- 9 glands per breast yielded better lactation and better weight gain in the infants. This was more prevalent for first time mothers, who actually began lactating 10 hours earlier than those with fewer glands.
Dr. Shaal, in a second publication (PLoS1), reported on the findings for 22 infants. They reported that the infants exhibit better head and mouth feeding movements as a result of these gland secretions- even more so than just from the odor of the breast milk.
If the odoriferous compounds can be isolated, then perhaps they can be manufactured to augment the ability of infants to breastfeed, especially when they are unable due to prematurity or illness.
This is very interesting, Roy. I know that research shows that babies who are breast fed are healthier and get a better start in life. I did not know about the gland secretions that you refer to in this article. I hope this information will be used to help sick babies in the future.
I do, too, Janette. This is great news for premies, who need all the extra help they can get!
Roy
Roy that is fascinating. While I don’t fully agree that breastfeeding should be looked at as critical (I think physiology is important, but the emotional stability of the mother is just as important) I am betting understanding the way the odor attracts baby to the nipple may really help those who wish to breastfeed but can’t seem to, and those who are weaning baby to a bottle make the adjustment much faster.
Knowing someone who truly wanted to breastfeed but could not get her baby to suckle and watching her tears and frustration and self blame I really think this could be a life changer. New moms have enough to deal with when everything is going fairly smoothly!
Bonnie:
That’s where a lactation specialist comes in. They work with the moms to alleviate stress, develop strategies for breast feeding, and the like. The nutritive AND immunological advantages for breast milk nurturing are way too high to be neglected. (It’s also why the consultant with whom I work also provides sleep consultation, since that may be part of the issues- the lack thereof or the need for the baby to adjust sleep schedules…)
Roy
I am so thankful that I nursed my babies. My poor mother was so horrified. Then when she saw breastfed baby poop, she came unglued. I couldn’t convince her it was normal until she read it herself in the La Leche Manual. But the best part for me was the cuddling. I needed that as much as they did.
Absolutely, Ann.
That’s part of the equation. The benefits to your kids is the other.
Thanks for your comment!
roy
Some women can and some are unable to but I know the bond created is unbelievable but like everything moderation too. And it is a mother child time so some privacy. I wonder how much of the benefit is the proximity and naturalness.
Loved the way you took people into this blog Roy.
Thanks for the comment, Roberta!
The mother and baby get proximity and familiarity. The baby gets nourishment and antibodies.
A win-win.
Roy
This is a fascinating study, Roy (as usual). Your first paragraph made me laugh, but on a more serious note, that would be fantastic if help could be found for premature or ill babies.
Leanne-
I’m glad you like my teaser! And, I agree, we need to find something to help premies – who need the nutrition most of all!
Roy
Interesting article Roy. I am one of those moms that was unable to breast feed. After 41 hours of labor, they had to do emergency c-section due to our son’s heart stopped beating. He was born, the next morning I came down with double lung pneumonia, with 103 temp had to stay in the hospital for another day, left the hospital without our son as he had 103 temp and had to remain for another 2 days! When I got home and the day we finally were bringing our son home, the doctor examined me to find out my incision was infected!! After getting two huge shots, one in both hips, of penicillin this allowed me to not have to return to the hospital.
BUT…. I have to say our son is very healthy, I believe there were no ill effects of bonding and never felt our son was neglected for not being breast fed. But your article certainly provides really interesting information that should be shared with all mom’s to be.
Lynn-
Boy does that bring back memories. My first child was having a race with yours coming out. We finally pushed (literally) Shanna out- which is why there was no need for post-partum massage!
Glad to know your son is healthy- or he’d have a hard time playing ball!
Thanks for sharing.
Roy
Aloha Roy, gosh I think women may be your biggest fans here.. Lol I know for one reason it’s about breast and informative content on them. Our girls need attention besides and know what works best for them. I can’t image anyone shying away from your post, because this is content that can help to know what is helpful. Anyway I am glad I came by. Mahalo, Lani 🙂
Ps.. glad we are in a wonderful group on fb. I welcome you to come visit me.
Aloha to you as well, Lani!
I am so glad you came as well, Lani!
I try to explain information that is harder to come by or difficult to understand so that the rest of us can get the benefits.
Roy
The depth of your knowledge and your compassion and caring is incredible, Roy. You continue to amaze and you always deliver information in easy to understand explanations. Having someone like you in my tribe who truly cares for human beings and takes time to make a difference is such a blessing. Great post…and with a good reminder that just because it is natural doesn’t mean it comes naturally. Sometimes we need to bring in the experts to reap the benefits…so for women out there who read this and are struggling, you’re not expected to do this all alone. Ask for the help you need so you can enjoy the experience you want. If you struggle giving yourself permission to do so then choose to for your child so you can both enjoy the bonding and health benefits.
I am honored by your statements, Tambre. My goal is to extend knowledge and understanding to as many folks as possible. I am so glad you thing that I have helped in that regard.
Roy
Roy–Interesting research, especially for women and babies who have difficulty breastfeeding. The options for these moms and babies are pretty limited, so it is good to see some steps in a new direction.
Nice to meet you, Kristen! Thanks for dropping in.
And, yes, we need to increase our arsenal to help our babies grow up to be cowboys- or cowgirls, or scientists, or whatever they want…
Roy
Nice to meet you, Kristen. Thanks for your comments.
And, yes, we need to increase the arsenal we have to help our babies grow up to be cowboys…. cowgirls…. scientists,…businesspersons– whatever they want.
Roy
Holy mackerel! What a cool study! =) I would have never thought that those glands would increase or that they would even matter, and that smell would play such an important role for infants. I guess it kind of makes sense as many newborns keep their eyes closed for a while. =)
Follow the smell, Samantha!
(It is purported that males and females use their sense of smell to choose mates, as well..)
Roy
First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I’ve had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thanks!
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Lucinda:
I wish I could tell you my mind is clear. It is chock-a-block full. Teeming, perhaps. And, that’s why I write my blog. I have so many things going on- around and within- that I am working on or with. And, by putting the words on the screen (I stopped using paper years ago- and my fountain pen is very jealous), I can then get onto the next item on my list.
I never wonder how to begin. I just start writing. But, that does not mean that I won’t insert a new paragraph at the top, when I have completed my thoughts. I learned (here’s my thank you to Sue, again) that we need to “lead-in” at the beginning and “make them want more now that they know” when we end….
Roy