While most people know what breastfeeding is, but interestingly, even some new mothers are not sure what it is comprised of, which is no reason to feel embarrassed. Learning about being a new mother involves a ton of information. Therefore, we wanted to address breastfeeding and more specifically, breast milk. Remember, becoming a new parent is an experience unlike any other so we wanted to address at least one question that seems to cause confusion.
When breast milk first comes in, the fluid expressed through the nipple is actually more of a light yellow color that does not look much like milk. This fluid is called colostrum, which is loaded with rich vitamins, protein, and immune builders. For this reason, the first few days of breastfeeding are actually the most important in that this colostrum gives the baby a strong building block for life. Over a few days to weeks, this colostrum will decrease at which time milk develops, although it too is thin and watery in the beginning. Then, the fluid expressed will begin to look more like milk but still thin, so the baby can drink it.
Some women will have milk come in before the birth of the baby and some after. This feeling of pressure is when the milk “lets down”, filling the glands of the breast, as nature prepares for feeding. Some women say in addition to pressure, there is a slight tingling sensation. The interesting thing about the milk letting down is that soon, it will happen automatically when you hear the baby cry or at a certain time of day. For instance, if your baby generally wakes for a feeding at 2:00 pm, you may notice your milk letting down around 1:55 pm. Just as with having a baby, this is just another miracle of life not really understood.
Depending on the mother, the amount of milk produced will vary. For some mothers, milk will begin to flow simply by stepping into a warm shower or accidentally bumping the breast. For other mothers, milk is simply not enough for full-time feeding at which time the baby can be supplemented with formula. In addition, second-time mothers may notice the intensity of milk let down is not as great as it was the first time. However, the milk is still loaded with everything needed by the baby. Just keep reminding yourself that if you have questions or concerns, your doctor can walk you through anything.
The thing to remember with breast milk is that generally, the greater the sucking action the more milk will be produced, kind of like a supply and demand thing. Because of this, you may notice the quantity of milk produced is more when the baby is young and needing to nurse more often opposed to an older baby.
Most importantly, breast milk is the perfect feeding solution. Breast milk is always at the proper temperature, it is conveniently stored until needed, you do not have to worry about sterilizing anything other than keeping the breast and nipple clean, and the antibiotics contained in breast milk cut back on possible allergic reactions for the baby. However, the one-on-one time between mother and baby cannot be matched.