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.