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Breast milk contains hormones and immune factors that change over time to support infant development.

Successful breastfeeding depends on accurate information and individualized support, not common myths.

New studies reveal connections between breastfeeding, maternal sleep, and postpartum mental health.

During Breastfeeding Awareness Month last year, I wrote about the benefits and possible difficulties associated with breastfeeding. These were the considerations that I share with my patients who are trying to make an informed decision about whether they will try breastfeeding. This year, as Breastfeeding Awareness Month approached, I looked for new studies and more information, and I was surprised to find there’s a lot more to learn.

1. Breast milk’s composition changes over 24 hours. Our energizing cortisol level peaks in the morning to help us wake up and slowly drops during the day, and then our brain’s master clock increases melatonin, which makes us sleepy at night. Breast milk levels of both therefore also change. Since very young babies don’t have fully developed circadian rhythms yet (the body’s 24-hour cycles), breast milk feeding with corresponding cortisol and melatonin levels seems to be helping them adjust to their new environment by being more alert in the morning and ready to fall asleep at night.1

2. Breast milk changes its nutritional, hormonal, and immunological components to match the nursing child's needs as they mature. Breast milk contains biologically active compounds including anti-inflammatories, antimicrobial enzymes, cytokines, immune cells,........

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