Newborn Babies Can Produce Witch's Milk

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Have you ever heard of newborn babies, both boys and girls, producing milk? It may sound strange, but it's actually a rare and completely healthy occurrence. This phenomenon is known as neonatal milk or Witch's Milk. The term "Witch's Milk" may sound a bit scary, but it has an interesting history behind it.

Back in the 17th century, there was a belief that witches would steal this special milk for use in their magic. In those times, infants with this condition were actually "milked" to express the fluid before a witch could come and collect it. Thankfully, we now know that there is nothing magical or dangerous about neonatal milk – it is simply a natural process that some babies go through.

So, what exactly is neonatal milk? In the first few weeks of life, some newborns – both boys and girls – may experience the secretion of a white or clear fluid from their nipples. This fluid is not actually milk in the traditional sense, as it does not contain the same nutrients and antibodies that breast milk does. Instead, it is believed to be a result of hormonal changes that occur in the baby's body after birth.

More about the Hormone

When babies are growing in their mom’s belly, they get a lot of different signals from the mom’s body. These signals are called hormones, and they’re like little messages that travel through the blood. These hormones tell the baby’s body how to grow and get ready to come into the world.

One of these hormones is called estrogen. Moms make a lot of it when they’re pregnant, and it helps them get ready to feed the baby. But babies get some of this hormone too, and that’s why they can sometimes make a little bit of milk, which we call “witch’s milk.”

After the baby is born, they don’t get these hormones from their mom anymore. So, the “witch’s milk” usually goes away after a few weeks as the baby’s body adjusts to not having those extra hormones around.

Why do pregnant women make Soo much hormones

Moms make a lot of oestrogen during pregnancy because it has some very important jobs to do. Oestrogen helps the uterus grow bigger so it can hold the baby as it gets bigger. It also keeps the lining of the uterus healthy and thick, which is important for the baby's home to be safe and comfy.

Oestrogen also helps in making other hormones stay at the right levels. These hormones are like a team that works together to make sure the baby grows the right way. For the baby, estrogen helps their organs develop, like their lungs and liver.

When it's almost time for the baby to be born, estrogen helps get the mom's body ready for making milk and feeding the baby. So, you can see, estrogen is super busy during pregnancy, making sure everything is just right for the baby to grow and for the mom to be ready to take care of the baby after it's born.

While neonatal milk is a rare occurrence, it is completely harmless and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. In most cases, no treatment is necessary, and parents can simply keep the area clean and dry. However, if you notice any signs of infection or irritation, it's always best to consult with a paediatrician.

It's important to remember that neonatal milk is a natural and normal part of infancy, and there is no need to be alarmed if your baby experiences it. In fact, some cultures even see it as a sign of good luck or blessing. So, the next time you hear about a newborn baby with Witch's Milk, just remember that it's nothing to fear – it's simply a fascinating and harmless quirk of nature.

In conclusion, the phenomenon of newborn babies producing milk, known as neonatal milk or Witch's Milk, is a rare but interesting occurrence. While the term "Witch's Milk" may sound mysterious, it actually has a simple and harmless explanation. So, if you ever come across a baby with this condition, rest assured that it is nothing to worry about. Embrace the uniqueness of nature and the wonders of the human body, even in its smallest and most unexpected forms.

References

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(5) What Bodily Changes Can You Expect During Pregnancy? - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bodily-changes-during.
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(7) Hormonal effects in newborns: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001911.htm.
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