There is a reason why breast milk is referred to as liquid gold. Breast milk contains components that enhance the baby's immune system. These components respond to the baby's needs, ensuring that it becomes the best food for the baby in the early stages of life.
According to todaysparent.com, breast milk is truly remarkable as it can change according to the baby's requirements. Breast milk can alter its composition, color, and even taste. So, it's not just Superman who can change, breast milk can too!
Breast Milk Changes with Baby's Growth
In the early stages, breast milk is produced along with colostrum, which has a thick texture resembling honey and contains immunological components to protect the newborn baby. "Essentially, this is like the baby's first vaccination," explains Taya Griffin, an internationally certified lactation consultant.
Griffin adds that one of the major immune boosters present in breast milk is called secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). SIgA functions by coating the internal organs, as well as the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. "SIgA prevents bacteria and pathogens from entering the intestines, thus protecting the baby from inside out," says Griffin.
The content of certain nutrients, such as lactose and fat, is lower in colostrum compared to mature breast milk. However, it has higher levels of proteins and potassium as it is designed to adapt to the growth of a newborn baby's body.
After providing the baby with the initial immune system boost and clearing the intestines of meconium in the first 2-3 days, breast milk changes and increases in volume. This is known as transitional milk. Transitional milk is produced for about 3-7 days and then transforms into mature milk by the second week.
According to Ashley Pickett, an internationally certified lactation consultant, mature breast milk in the baby's first year is not different from colostrum. It has the same properties, but with a thinner texture and a higher volume.
The next significant change occurs when the baby enters the toddler stage. The volume of breast milk produced decreases, concentrating more on the immunological components. "Breast milk starts to decrease because the baby can eat and drink, so it mainly contains more antibodies and higher fat content," says Attie Sandink, a certified lactation consultant and nurse.
That's why the Canadian Paediatric Society and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend breastfeeding the baby until they are 2 years old or older. Besides obtaining nutrition from solid foods, the baby also receives an immune boost from breast milk.
Breast Milk Changes During Growth Spurts and Illness
During the first year, breast milk consistently contains protein, fat, and sugars. However, the levels of these components can slightly change due to various factors, such as the mother's diet, bacteria and viruses in the environment, and the baby's nursing patterns.
Teresa Pitman, the leader of La Leche League and co-author of The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, notes that babies nurse more frequently during growth spurts. During this time, the fat content in breast milk increases.
Breast milk also changes when the baby or mother is ill. In fact, researchers believe that when a baby is sick, they send signals through their saliva to the mother's body. Consequently, the breast milk produced will contain specific antibodies to fight against that particular illness. Isn't that amazing? The same applies when the mother is sick. The mother's body will produce breast milk with a higher concentration of antibodies, providing protection to the baby.
Breast Milk Changes Throughout the Day
According to experts, breast milk can vary during different times of the day. Many mothers notice that the volume of breast milk is greater and flows more vigorously in the morning. According to Pickett, this could be due to higher levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. On the other hand, breast milk produced at night is designed to help the baby fall asleep. "Breast milk at night contains more serotonin and other elements to aid in the baby's sleep," says Sandink.
Breast Milk Changes During the Nursing Process
You may have heard about foremilk and hindmilk during breastfeeding. Foremilk is the initial milk released, which has a thinner texture, while hindmilk is the milk released towards the end of a feeding session, which has a much thicker texture. This is indeed true, as the fat content in breast milk gradually increases during the nursing process. However, it does not mean that hindmilk is superior to foremilk. Griffin suggests that mothers nurse the baby on one breast for an extended period of time so that the baby receives both types of breast milk.
Breast Milk Changes in Color
Breast milk can vary in color, ranging from bluish, yellow, cream, to even orange! And all of these colors are normal and beneficial for the baby. Medications can also affect the color of breast milk. For example, the antibiotic minocycline can turn breast milk black. Don't worry, it is safe for the baby to consume, but it is important to inform your doctor about it.
However, it is worth paying attention if breast milk changes color to pink, red, or rusty. This could indicate the presence of blood in the breast milk. It could be caused by issues with the nipples or breasts. Although breast milk is still safe for the baby to consume, it is advisable to consult a doctor or lactation consultant to investigate the cause and address it.
"If there are no signs of nipple pain or cracked nipples, but breast milk contains blood, I would be concerned about a problem with the mother's breast. It is best to see a doctor and undergo an ultrasound," explains Pickett. Sometimes, cancer and other diseases can cause blood to flow through breast milk.
Breast Milk Changes in Taste
The foods consumed can alter the taste of breast milk. According to a study published in the journal Physiology and Behavior in 2008, the taste of menthol lasts the longest in breast milk. Conversely, the taste of banana only lasts for an hour after consumption.
A study published in Pediatrics in 2001 showed that if a mother enjoys drinking carrot juice while breastfeeding her baby, the baby is more likely to prefer cereals with a carrot flavor over other flavored cereals when they grow older. Therefore, the food flavors in breast milk can have an effect on the baby's other senses.
Believe it or not, a study in the journal Metabolites in 2016 revealed that consuming raw garlic can change the smell of breast milk. The composition of breast milk can also affect its taste. The higher the sodium content in colostrum, the saltier the breast milk will taste.
So, these are the six changes that breast milk can undergo to meet the baby's needs. It's truly amazing, isn't it, mothers? So, don't worry about your baby lacking nutrients just because they consume breast milk. Stay determined to breastfeed your baby for the first six months and continue breastfeeding until they are 2 years old.