Breast Milk Changes After Birth
If you think you’re done being amazed by nature’s miracles, just wait. While motherhood is a miraculous journey, it doesn’t end at delivery. Breast milk is one of nature’s most precious gifts to both the mother and the baby.
Not only does breastfeeding have health benefits for the baby, but it also helps the mother journey through postpartum more comfortably. It helps with postpartum weight loss, initiates bonding with the baby, and can aid in protection against breast cancer in the long term.
When does my breast milk come in?
You start producing colostrum soon after birth and continue to produce it for 2-3 days. For first-time moms, breast milk typically takes about three days to come in. Afterward, the milk may come in sooner during subsequent pregnancies, sometimes as early as 36 hours. There are three stages of milk production as it comes in and your baby ages: colostrum, transitional, and mature milk.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is a thicker, yellowish form of breastmilk that is produced as soon as you give birth. This milk is now termed liquid gold for the baby due to its benefits.
It is high in antioxidants and antibodies that aid in the development of a baby’s initial immunity. Colostrum is also high in protein and low in fat, which helps in easy digestion and clearing of the baby’s meconium.
What is transitional milk?
After about 3-4 days of producing colostrum exclusively, you start to produce mature breast milk. The transition is gradual, which means for a few days you produce breast milk that is in between colostrum and mature milk. This gradual transition helps your baby’s gut adjust to the composition and texture of mature breast milk to ease them into it.
What is mature milk?
After the first two weeks, you start to produce mature breast milk that is suited to your baby’s nutritional needs. It contains all the nutrients and enzymes that will help your baby grow while you easily digest it. It is more blue-white and thinner than colostrum due to a slightly higher water content.
Are there ways to help with breast milk production?
We aim to have the baby nursing within the first hour after birth to stimulate milk production. The more your baby feeds, the higher your milk supply will be. However, this requires the correct latching and feeding methods that we can discuss during your postpartum appointments.
Alternatively, you can consult a lactation expert to get personalized assistance with breastfeeding. It’s important to remember that it can take a while to get the hang of breastfeeding before you get it right. Needing extra help or assistance is okay!