Breast milk is the perfect food for newborns and infants. It is a unique substance containing a perfect combination of nutrients, antibodies and growth factors that promote the baby’s healthy growth and development.
In today’s blog post we tell you everything you need to know about breast milk, why it matters and how it is produced.
The composition of breast milk adapts to the baby’s needs and varies over the course of breastfeeding, throughout the day and even during each feed. Among the stages the milk’s composition goes through, we can distinguish three types:
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Colostrum: This is the first milk to appear, and it starts being produced between weeks 12-16 of pregnancy. Known as “liquid gold”, it is a thick, yellow fluid rich in vitamins, proteins and antibodies.
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Transitional milk: From the second day after the birth, colostrum gradually gives way to transitional milk, which is characterised by an increase in the amount of fat and sugar in its composition.
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Mature milk: As the baby approaches one month of age, the milk is fully mature. Its composition becomes more stable, although we should remember that it is a living substance and, however long breastfeeding lasts, it will keep adapting to the baby’s needs.
Benefits of breast milk for the baby
Breast milk provides a number of health benefits for the baby, including:
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Protection against illness: It contains antibodies that help protect the baby against infections and illnesses.
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Optimal nutrition: It provides all the nutrients the baby needs for healthy growth, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
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Promoting brain development: The omega-3 fatty acids found in breast milk are essential for the development of the baby’s brain and vision.
Breast milk production
Breast milk production is a complex process that begins during pregnancy and continues after the birth. Breast milk is produced in the alveoli of the breasts and released through the milk ducts during breastfeeding.
In short, breast milk is an invaluable treasure that provides optimal nutrition and a range of health benefits for both the baby and the mother. Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding is essential to ensure a healthy start in life for every baby.