This episode aims to be the most comprehensive compendium on the biology of breast milk ever recorded. Looking at the converging clinical and animal evidence of the impact of breast milk paints a complex and beautiful mosaic of developmentally supportive effects that range from allowing the mother to act as a “compensatory” immune system to possibly supporting the development of entire organ systems through the integration of maternal stem cells found in breast milk. Episode Highlights 00:07:11 - Breast milk composition and production 00:09:59 - Human milk oligosaccharides in breast milk establish the infant gut microbiome 00:15:48 - Omega-3 fatty acids and other components in breast milk boost brain development 00:18:14 - Vitamins and minerals in breast milk 00:22:05 - Breast milk stem cells and multi-organ microchimerism 00:22:54 - Harmful substances transferred to infant via breast milk 00:28:03 - The effects of breastfeeding on the infant's immune system 00:31:17 - Effects on intelligence 00:34:36 - Breastfeeding as a benefit to maternal health Get our detailed summary, timeline, references and more on the FoundMyFitness episode page. Breastmilk and breast feeding is now a dedicated Topic section on the website. View that article by clicking here. Did you enjoy this episode? If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, check out a preview of our very first Aliquot episode: Aliquot #001: Pregnancy & Child Development. It features a compilation of pregnancy and child development-related topics taken from several Q&A episodes over the last couple of years. Click here to hear this preview of our premium podcast The Aliquot by clicking here now.