Ever-Changing Breast Milk
Breast milk is made up of thousands of bioactive molecules. It provides all the nutrition baby needs, promotes healthy growth and development, and protects against infections. Breast milk is dynamic; it is always changing. The composition of milk at two days is different than at two weeks, which is different than at two months. In fact, milk composition changes in the course of a day and even during each feeding. Your body and your baby“ communicate” at every feeding and your body changes the composition and volume of milk to meet your baby’ s needs.
The Newborn Stomach
A newborn’ s stomach is very small at birth. Over the first seven to ten days, their belly size expands, in sync with an increase in your milk supply( sometimes called your milk“ coming in”). Even with more volume at each feeding, baby will continue to need frequent feedings, since breast milk digests quickly.
Day 1: Marble-sized and holds about 1 / 4 of an ounce or about 5 mL.
Day 3: Ping pong ballsized and holds 3 / 4 to 1 ounce or about 25 mL.
Day 10: Chicken egg-sized and holds 2 ounces or about 60 mL.
Preview
Colostrum
The earliest milk, colostrum is a thick, yellowish milk made by the breasts during pregnancy and for the first few days after birth. It is high in protein, vitamins, minerals and antibodies, providing immunity from many infections and illnesses. Colostrum is made in small quantities just right for a tiny newborn stomach.
Transitional Milk
Cream-colored milk starting around day two through the first few weeks after birth is called transitional milk. It contains high levels of fat and vitamins, and is more plentiful and has more calories than colostrum.
Mature Milk
Mature milk begins 10 – 15 days after birth. It contains more carbohydrates than transitional milk. It may look watery( especially at the beginning of a feed) or creamy( near the end). It can also appear to have a tint of color depending on the foods you have eaten.
Colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk are each uniquely made to support your baby’ s health and development. They also coincide perfectly with your baby’ s changing belly size and nutritional needs. To help your baby feed well and help you establish a good milk supply, it’ s best to allow baby to feed at length at the first breast, and then offer the second breast. Your baby may be full, or may feed more on the second side. Either is fine. Alternate which breast you offer first at each feeding. It is common for babies to feed more during a growth spurt, and your milk supply will adjust. Without medical need, babies do not need supplements and you do not need to pump unless directed to by a lactation professional or health care provider.
10 Breastfeeding Your Baby