Things That Might Affect the Taste, Smell and Quantity of Breast Milk
Breastmilk has fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins which are essential for every infant in the early days of life. Other than these, breastmilk also gives the newborn elements like oligosaccharides (that act as prebiotics) and hormones like leptin, adiponectin, IGF-I, ghrelin, obestatin and resistin, which are necessary for the growth and development of the baby. But many factors can negatively affect the breastmilk thus affecting the baby.
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Stress and anxiety
Maternal anxiety and stress can badly affect the production of breastmilk. Stress and anxiety can increase the levels of adrenaline in the mother’s body, which might restrict the natural milk-ejection reflex. It is more common in first-time mothers as they are stressed about breastfeeding and other childcare-related issues.
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Smoking
Smoking can low the volume of the milk as it inhibits the release of prolactin and oxytocin in the body. Prolactin is a hormone needed for the growth of breasts and for the production of milk. Many studies conducted on rats have shown that nicotine or tobacco fumes can reduce the release of prolactin and decrease the volume of milk. smoking stimulates the release of adrenaline, which restricts the release of oxytocin required for the ejection of milk.
Caffeinated beverages
Breast feeding mothers may feel the need to have a cup of coffee early in the morning because of the tiring midnight feeding sessions,. Studies says that caffeine levels can peak about two hours after consuming a caffeinated beverage or food. If your baby consumes the caffeinated milk, it might effect their sleeping schedule.
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Some food items
Food consumed by a mother can affect the flavour of the breastmilk. Mint, when consumed, appeared in lower concentrations earlier but was found in higher quantity later eating raw garlic can affect the smell of breastmilk. So any such changes in the mother’s diet could result in the infant refusing to drink because of the taste.