08/17/2022
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week and Month, we will be sharing a ton of information to help Educate and Support you throughout your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey.
Breast milk has three stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. But what’s the difference?
Colostrum: Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins (antibodies). It is thick and often yellow in color. Colostrum is only present for the first 3-5 (ish) days after birth. It protects your child from a many bacterial and viral illnesses. Your body starts producing colostrum around week 16 of pregnancy. You may notice some leaking during pregnancy, but if you don’t, that’s normal too!
Transitional milk: Colostrum turns into transitional milk after that 3-5 day mark and lasts for about 2 weeks. It has high levels of fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins. It also has more calories than colostrum.
Mature milk: Mature milk is 90% water and 10% carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It sticks around until you and your baby decide it’s time to wean.
