13 things you might not know about breastfeeding

Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, but whether you choose to breastfeed or not, there are some pretty cool benefits for you and your baby.

Here are 13 facts about breastfeeding to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week:

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1. You can do it while you’re asleep
The body doesn’t stop producing milk whether you’re awake or not – and you can do it lying down.

2. Your boobs can go up in size
Yep, really.

3. It’s a good way to get bubs to go to sleep
We all feel sleepy after a good feed.

4. You can lose weight while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding burns calories.

5. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of cancer
New mothers can cut their risk of breast cancer by breastfeeding their babies, leading scientist Sir Richard Doll - who discovered the link between lung cancer and smoking - found. And the longer you continue, the lower their chances of developing the disease become.

6. You save money
According to Women’s Health, breastfeeding saves your family between $1,200 to $1,500 each year by not needing to purchase things like breast pumps and bottles.

7. Your right breast produces more milk than your left
According to Health Foundations Birth Centre, 75% of women produce more milk on their right side.

8. Extended breastfeeding has numerous benefits for your child
Research suggests that the longer breastfeeding continues and the more breast milk a baby drinks, the better a mother and baby's health might be.

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9. Size doesn’t matter
Whether you’re a AA or a FF, it makes no difference in the amount of milk you can produce.

10. You might not feel as depressed
According to a study in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, women have less chance of being diagnosed with postpartum depression.

11. It’s safe to breastfeed when you’re sick
This is because of the benefits to your baby’s immune system in your milk, says Baby Centre.

12. Your milk has a unique scent
Your baby knows it’s you, says Parenting.

13. Breast milk can prevent tooth decay
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, the antibodies in your milk prevents dangerous bacteria growth in your little one's mouth.

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