Colostrum
During the first days after the birth a woman produces special milk that looks thick, sticky and yellowish. It is only in very small amounts, but is just perfect for your new baby.
This special milk is called colostrum and contains large quantities of antibodies and growth factors. It enhances the development of the baby’s gastro-intestinal tract and its anti-infective agents act like a first immunization.
Colostrum has a laxative effect which helps the baby to pass the meconium (the first stool) and helps to prevent neonatal jaundice by clearing the bilirubin from the gut.
Transitional Milk
During the following two weeks, the milk increases in quantity and changes in appearance and composition. The immunoglobulins and protein contents decrease whereas fat and sugar contents increase. At this time, the breasts may feel full, hard and heavy. This normal engorgement of the mother’s breasts – sometimes referred to as „coming-in“ of the milk – can be alleviated by frequent feedings.
Mature Milk
Mature milk looks thinner and more watery than cow's milk which might be sometimes confusing. But it contains all the nutrients needed for healthy development of the baby. Breastmilk is never „too thin“. Mature milk changes during the length of a single feed to exactly suit the needs of a baby.
The milk that flows at the beginning of a feed is low in fat and high in lactose, sugar, protein, vitamin, minerals and water. As the feed goes on, the milk changes to contain more fat and less sugar.
