Breastmilk Stages

The milk-like substance produced by a mother immediately after giving birth is known as the colostrum. It is extremely beneficial for your baby because it is highly concentrated with antibodies and nutrients. The colostrum fills up the nutrient deposits and acts as a first “vaccination” for your baby, giving her a first line of defense against diseases.

This yellowish, thick substance has less fat and less lactose than the later, more mature milk, making it particularly easy for new-borns to digest. Colostrum also acts as a mild laxative, helping to stimulate your baby’s bowel movements and to excrete the first stool called meconium. This reduces the risk of new-born jaundice. Colostrum has high amounts of the antioxidants beta-carotene (which produces the yellow colour) and vitamin E, which your baby cannot yet produce.

About 4-10 day after birth, the colostrum is replaced by breastmilk that contains more fat and energy in order to promote growth.

Mature milk is produced after about 10 days, however, this new milk is also not always the same. Every time you breastfeed your baby, she gets almost a 3-course meal! The first course consists of a low-viscosity, watery foremilk that quenches your baby’s thirst. Continued sucking indicates that it’s time for the second course of a more satiating, nourishing hind milk that helps your baby grow. And lastly, when your baby moves to your second breast for dessert she will have a mix of both foremilk and hind milk.

The breast milk you produce adapts perfectly to the variable needs and growth spurts of your baby. The hungrier your baby, the more milk you will produce. On average, mothers produce around 700 to 800 millilitres of milk a day – regardless of how big their boobs are!