The long-term benefits are equally compelling both in reduction of disease and increased IQ. In part, this is because breast milk contains living stem cells, which make for the ultimate repair and build tools because they can be turned into any cell needed in the baby’s body.
Breast milk also contains antibodies, acting as the baby’s immune system before one is fully in place (by the age of 5 years). Breast milk can even improve sleep issues. All of this culminates into the criticality of access to human milk over formula. Statistically, 800,000 babies who die each year could have been saved by breast milk. Research generally indicates positive outcomes for infants who receive human milk, regardless of whether it comes from a milk bank or the baby's mother. These benefits include reduced risk of infections, improved growth and development, and better long-term health outcomes.
There are mountains of studies highlighting the components of breast milk that make it essential for babies, but one component that can be overlooked but certainly contributes to the healthier outcomes measured in breastfed babies is the increase in overall physical touch. Breastfed babies are held more fueling brain growth and physical and mental development. One reason for this is Oxytocin (OT) – often called the body’s own “love drug” or the “cuddle hormone,” because it decreases blood pressure and reduces activity in the sympathetic autonomic system, making one feel “cuddly.” More OT is released more often in breastfed babies, which may be one reason why breastfed babies score higher in social intelligence as adults.
Animal studies show babies are setting up the neuronal receptors for oxytocin early in life, meaning that they are literally able to activate more of the love hormone throughout life. In sync with babies, nursing moms also create more oxytocin receptors, which may explain one reason women become more nurturing, not just with their children, but in general, after having them.
They say it takes a village to raise a healthy child, and sharing the miraculous human milk that every baby needs is one beautiful way to participate in building healthier communities.