Introduction
Breast milk is produced by mammary glands that are located in the breasts of a female. This milk acts as a primary source of nutrition for infants and contains enough protein, fat, and carbohydrates that are essential for the newborn. Breast milk contains substances that help protect the newborn against inflammation and infections and contribute to the healthy development of the infant's immune system and the gut microbiome. Breast milk contains a unique smell that is important to the process of breastfeeding.
What Does Breast Milk Compose Of?
Breast milk contains complex carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and biologically active compounds. The composition changes over a single feeding as well as depending on and changing over the period of lactation. In the initial days of delivery, the mother produces colostrum. Colostrum is a thin, yellowish fluid that leaks from the breast during the initial days after delivery. It is rich in protein and antibodies that provide passive immunity to the baby. Colostrum helps the newborn digestive system grow and function properly. Colostrum gradually matures into mature milk. Breast milk quenches infants' thirst and hunger and provides the sugar, minerals, proteins, and antibodies that an infant needs.
How Does a Baby's Sense of Smell Develop, and Can Babies Smell Breast Milk?
An infant's sense of smell starts developing early, at around six to seven weeks. The olfactory receptors help neurons and infants' brains process the developments. The two symmetrical nasal cavities are developed in the first trimester. The nasal passages open and connect to the mouth and nostrils. The infants can sniff the breast milk, and even lactating women, as breast milk has very specific fragrances and is extremely attractive to babies. Babies also recognize their own mothers simply by smell. Some chemicals released from foods consumed by the mother are found in breast milk. Babies are especially attuned to this specific smell and are able to recognize and rely on their mother for comfort, meals, and calming zones.
The olfactory system is more susceptible than the other senses at birth. Within a few minutes of delivery, the head of a newborn is spontaneously turned towards the maternal chest, which makes a directional lean toward the mother’s nipple, and thus the infant starts sucking. This is the first smell introduced to the newborn. It is proven that the odor of the newborn's mother, and especially the maternal milk, affect the infant in a positive way, along with changes in behaviors.
The distinction between maternal and non-maternal odors from the neck to the axilla and the whole body is observed by a neonate between one to ten days of age. These results show that newborns are precariously attracted to the body odor of the mother and her breast milk.
How Does Breast Milk Odor Affect Breastfeeding in Infants?
Breast milk odors help a baby to feed in a comforting, calming zone. Babies can identify their mothers due to the unique odor of breast milk. This helps the babies stay calm in conditions like pain. Various studies have been conducted comparing breast milk and formula milk odor. Studies have found differences in the salivary cortisol levels of the groups. The salivary cortisol levels of the infants exposed to the odor of breast milk are significantly lower than those of the newborns exposed to the odor of formula milk. Babies in uncomfortable situations cry a lot; the ones who are exposed to formula milk are prone to cry longer than those who are exposed to the odor of breast milk.
What Can Affect the Smell of Breastmilk?
Human milk varies in taste, smell, and appearance depending on the medications taken, the diet, and the storage techniques. Regardless of these differences, the mother's milk is best for the infant. A newborn is comforted by the unique smell and taste of milk. The amniotic fluid has similar flavors to breast milk. A newborn's pain can be relieved by exposure to the smell of breast milk. Milk is a powerful potion for infants. Many factors affect breast milk's taste and appearance. These are:
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Food: The food consumed highly impacts the texture and smell of breast milk. Mostly consuming garlic can affect the taste and smell of breast milk.
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Medications: Medications can also affect breast milk. Medications taken can affect the texture and also taste of the mother's milk. Hypertensive medications, antihistamines, decongestants, narcotics, and diuretics affect the composition of breast milk. Research has shown that oral contraceptives, like progestin and estrogen, can reduce milk volume while breastfeeding.
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Caffeine Intake and Alcoholic Beverages: Caffeine intake can alter milk composition and change the smell of the milk. Also, the consumption of alcohol can highly impact them.
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Freezing and Lipase: Thawing or freezing breast milk can have a big impact on breast milk’s taste and smell. The milk can taste soapy or sour after defrosting. The longer the milk is kept in the refrigerator, lipase activity occurs in the milk. Milk with a high level of soap smell or sour taste is harmful to the baby.
What Is Breastfeeding Strike and Its Causes?
A breastfeeding strike is a baby’s sudden refusal to breastfeed for a period of time after breastfeeding. A breastfeeding strike does not necessarily mean that the baby is ready to wean, but it is short-lived. One of the causes of breastfeeding strikes is a change in smell. A new soap impacts breast milk production and the ejection of milk.
In cases where the breast milk is pumped and stored factors like the temperature, storage techniques, and material used for storage affects the smell of breast milk. The room temperature or the refrigerator where the milk is stored, some perfume, and lotion can affect baby's intention to breastfeed. All the above can change the taste and smell of breast milk and can affect the baby's refusal to nurse.
Conclusion
Breast milk is the right food for a baby. It has the right amount of nutrients and vitamins that are essential for infants. It plays a key role in a baby's overall health and development. Many factors trigger the smell and taste of breast milk, which indirectly impacts the infant's intention to breastfeed. Stress, anxiety, food habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking are some factors that have a great impact on breast milk. The natural smell of breastmilk induces an infant to feed and stay calm, but when the breast milk is affected by factors and changes, the smell can reduce the baby's interest in feeding.
