A look at how your milk supply works.
The quality of your breastmilk changes throughout the feed. You’ll avoid common nursing problems like cracked nipples and blocked ducts when you know the process of lactation. Hopefully, this also makes breastfeeding a more enjoyable experience for you.
Days 1 to 3
Your newborn feeds on a thick, yellowish liquid called colostrum. For some women, this is a thin and watery liquid. It’s brimming with antibodies, proteins, vitamins and anti-infective agents. The flow is slow, so that a baby can learn to nurse — a process that involves coordination to suck, breathe, and swallow. Colostrum also has a laxative effect, which helps your baby pass meconium — the dark, tar-like first poo.
Days 3 to 14
After about 3 to 4 days of producing colostrum, the transitional milk comes in and your breasts will start to feel firmer. This is a sign that your milk supply is increasing and changing from colostrum to breastmilk, which looks more watery than cow's milk and contains fewer antibodies and proteins, but has more sugar and fats to power your sweetie's growth.
After day 14: Your mature milk provides all the nutrients your child needs to develop healthily. During a feed , the first portion (foremilk) quenches his thirst, while the fuller hindmilk satisfies his hunger. At night, your milk contains a higher level of natural sleep-inducing chemicals. What a bonus!
Photo: INGimage
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