Breastmilk - Why it’s liquid gold.

We constantly hear breastmilk is liquid gold, but let's take a deeper dive as to WHY.

Taking it way back, My Big Fat Greek Wedding style... gold is a precious metal, revered for its beauty and cost; also, for its use in art, industry, and medicine. Breastmilk transitions from colostrum, which is more gold in color to mature milk that is more white. But white gold is still gold.

Types of breast milk

Types? Yup! There are 3 different types. Colostrum, transitional, and mature milk.

Colostrum is the first milk that the body produces. It's production starts around 16-18 weeks of pregnancy! This first milk is considered the first immunization because it is so PACKED with immunogenic (immune boosting) properties! Colostrum contains secretory IgA (protects mucous membranes from infection), lactoferrin, leukocytes (white blood cells that fight pathogens), epidermal growth factors, higher amounts of sodium, chloride, and magnesium, and lower levels of potassium, calcium and lactose as compared to mature milk.

Colostrum is produced in very small quantities, and that is by design. New born tummies are only about the size of a cherry, and hold 5-7mL per feeding for the first 48 hours. After about 24-48 hours milk begins to transition to mature milk, this is known as transitional milk.

Transitional milk has properties similar to colostrum, but as the tight gap junctions in the mammary cells begin to close, the milk properties change towards mature milk composition. This transitional milk is in larger quantities approximately 1 oz per feeding. Around 72 hours after delivery of the placenta, the mature milk really rolls in.

Mature Milk is what we're most accustomed to when discussing breastmilk, and often what people assume should be in full flow the minute baby is born (which is incorrect). Mature milk is half full of vitamins, minerals, immune cells, carbs, fats, and proteins. It is a living substance! Breastmilk is NOT sterile and actually help colonize the infant's gut creating a stronger gut microbiome and immune system.

So what's in breastmilk?

Breastmilk is constantly changing. It adapts to your baby's needs. From 1 month of age onwards, your baby will take in between 3-5 oz (on average) for a full feeding. As they get older, they don't need more milk! The composition of your breastmilk will change to suit their needs. WILD. Usually around 6 months of age, when solids are starting to be incorporated, baby may start taking less milk in, but the composition changes still occur.

People are often told, even by health care providers (cringe!), that their milk is ''low fat'' and a reason why baby isn't gaining weight. This is not true. The fat content in your breastmilk is genetically predetermined. No matter what you eat or how much of it, you will not directly influence the fat content in your milk, you can however, influence the nutritional value of your milk in the quality of fat present but not the amount. Frequent feeding or pumping will also yield fattier milk compared to infrequently removed milk.

Breastmilk is over 85% water.

This is why you do NOT need to give your exclusively breastfed baby water during warmer temperatures. They will naturally nurse more often to stay hydrated.

Protein, fat, and carbohydrate amounts will vary between feedings. But on average:

Protein is 1% of breastmilk.

Fat is 4-5% of breast milk.

Carbohydrates make up 7% of breastmilk.

Milk tends to be fattier towards the evening, helping keep baby fuller longer during the night.

Your breastmilk is an incredible substance and the most optimal source of nutrition for your little. Its full of nutrients and protective agents such as white blood cells and antibodies. What's even cooler is how quickly your body responds to the needs of your baby. Within a few hours of your little being exposed to a virus or pathogen, your breastmilk is already full of antibodies to help fight it off!

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends using fresh breastmilk (so either at breast nursing or freshly pumped breastmilk) as it is of higher quality. It contains current maternal secretory IgA antibodies that are relevant to maternal and infant recent infectious exposures. It is also highest in antioxidants, vitamins, protein, fat, probiotic bacteria, and has the greatest immunologic activity.

Frozen breastmilk also holds so many benefits, but the longer it is frozen the composition of proteins, fats, carbs, and immunologic properties decreases.

Breastmilk is truly liquid gold. It is not just beautiful (can be turned into jewelry and art) but nourishes our babies and truly acts as a medicine against infections! Hope this little dive into breastmilk was informative and fun!