Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is produced naturally by women and provides the main nutrition for the baby in the first months of life. Breast milk consists of three distinct and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Visit a lactation consultant to learn more about breastfeeding and breast milk.

Colostrum

Colostrum is the first stage in breast milk. It occurs during pregnancy and lasts a few days after the baby is born. It is yellowish or cream in color. It is also much thicker than milk produced later in lactation.

Colostrum is rich in proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that are passed from mother to child and provide passive immunity to the child. Passive immunity protects the child from a wide variety of bacterial and viral diseases. Two to four days after birth, colostrum is replaced by transitional milk.

Transitional milk

Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts about two weeks. Transitional milk contains high levels of fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins. It contains more calories than colostrum.

Mature milk

Mature milk is the last milk produced. 90% of this is the water needed to keep babies hydrated. The remaining 10% are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which are essential for both growth and energy.

There are two types of mature milk:

Fore-milk: This type of milk is produced at the start of breastfeeding and contains water, vitamins and proteins.

Hind-milk: This type of milk occurs after the initial milk ejection. It contains more fat and is essential for weight gain.

Breast milk and mother's milk are essential in breastfeeding to ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. You may also be interested in taking a complete breastfeeding supplement to provide you with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are important for healthy and abundant breast milk production.

Because breast milk is considered a valuable commodity, there are a number of products designed to save and preserve milk for breastfeeding mothers. 


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