Breast milk is packed with nutrients to protect your baby, but did you know that its content varies over time? In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about breast milk and what it contains.

Three varieties of breast milk and content

In the latter part of pregnancy, the following are formed colostrumAlso known as colostrum, this is the first composition of breast milk produced in the days following childbirth. This breast milk has a different content from the mature milk produced later. It is transparent and yellowish due to the high content of beta-carotene (the same nutrient that gives the carrot its color). Colostrum contains more protein, vitamins A and K and less sugar and fat than mature milk.

Colostrum is easier for the newborn baby's stomach to digest and can be more easily absorbed by the body. It is high in immunoglobulins and lactic bacteria that help with the immune system and can therefore protect the baby against certain infections. Colostrum stimulates the passage of meconium in the intestine (the baby's first poop, which is black and chewy in texture).

While the colostrum is developing into mature milk, it is called transitional milk. This usually takes place a few days to a couple of weeks after childbirth. Exactly how long this takes is individual from woman to woman.

About three to four weeks after delivery, it has ripen the milk pre-developed. Breast milk then contains higher levels of fat and lactose compared to colostrum. Although mature milk does not contain as much immunoglobulin, it provides the baby with significant protection against infections that lasts as long as the baby is breastfed. The fat composition of breast milk is influenced by the mother's diet.

Curious about how much breast milk a newborn baby eats? Read the article on the topic here!