A heartwarming photo shared by a mom from Arkansas has taken social media by storm, showcasing the extraordinary healing properties of breast milk. Like many breastfeeding mothers, Jenna Thompson found her freezer filled with milk-storing bags, but one particular bag stood out, prompting her to share it on Facebook. The post has since been shared over 70,000 times, capturing the attention and admiration of many.
What Makes This Image So Compelling?
Jenna believes it underscores the incredible way a mother’s body adapts to meet her child’s specific needs. “This is just mind-blowing,” she wrote. “Not too long ago, I read a fascinating article in a medical journal about how a mom’s milk changes to fit her baby’s requirements beyond just calories. When a baby nurses, it creates a vacuum effect that allows the infant’s saliva to enter the mother’s nipple.” She cites a study from 2013 which explored whether pathogens from a baby’s saliva could stimulate the production of milk rich in customized antibodies and nutrients. The theory posits that when a baby is unwell, their saliva sends signals to the mother’s body, prompting it to create nutrient-dense milk packed with antibodies to help combat illness.
“I remembered this when I was organizing the frozen milk in my deep freezer,” she continues. The night before, she had pumped the milk for the left bag, but after a restless night caring for her sick baby, the milk she pumped the next morning resulted in the right bag—one that looked strikingly similar to colostrum, the nutrient-rich “super milk” that is produced in the initial days following birth. This milk was her body’s response to a night spent nursing her ailing child.
The Science Behind Breast Milk Adaptability
As noted by Science News, “Part of the immunity that breast milk provides may depend on a combination of milk and baby saliva flowing upstream. This backwash could actually prompt a mother’s body to generate unique immune factors delivered back to the baby through milk.” Colostrum is brimming with leukocytes, and as babies grow healthier, these levels naturally decrease. However, when illness strikes, leukocyte levels surge once again. While the “special-order” theory remains a hypothesis, biologist Sarah Johnson from Arizona State University considers it highly plausible based on current physiological understanding. Truly, a mother’s body is remarkable!
Further Reading
For those interested in more information about insemination and pregnancy, check out this post on intracervical insemination. Additionally, for authoritative insights on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. A great resource for understanding intrauterine insemination can be found at the Cleveland Clinic.
Conclusion
In summary, Jenna Thompson’s viral photo serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible adaptability of breast milk, tailored to support a baby’s health during times of need. This astounding phenomenon emphasizes the innate connection between a mother and her child, showcasing the incredible ways in which nature works.