Your breastmilk is always changing to meet the needs of your growing baby.

Breastmilk is always changing

Breastmilk changes from minute to minute, day to day, and during each feeding. Breastmilk has over 200 known ingredients, and these ingredients provide the nutrition and health protection your child needs.

Colostrum

The breastmilk in the first days following birth is called colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk that your body makes for you baby. Your body starts to make milk around the middle of your pregnancy.  Colostrum is perfectly designed to meet the needs of a newborn baby. Your body makes small amounts of colostrum. This is because your baby’s stomach is small.

Colostrum is usually yellow, thick and sticky. It provides all the nutrition a healthy, full term baby needs. It is full of antibodies that help protect your baby from infections and illnesses. It has enzymes that help your baby to poop in the early days after birth.

Transitional Breastmilk

Within 2 to 5 days of your baby's birth you will notice a change in your breastmilk. This transitional breastmilk is a mixture of colostrum and mature milk. The amount of breastmilk your body makes for each feed will start to increase as your baby's tummy starts to get bigger. During this time the breastfeeding parent may notice that their breasts feel fuller.

Mature Breastmilk

Mature breastmilk begins from about 5 to 7 days after your baby is born. It is thinner, whitish, and there is more of it. Your breastmilk continues to change as your baby grows. It provides all the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water needed for your child to grow and develop. All babies need added vitamin D.