So, what exactly is in breast milk?

In a nutshell, we have:

  • Water
  • Protein
  • Carbs
  • Fats
  • Minerals
  • Bacteria
  • Antibodies
  • Immune cells
  • Hormones

Yes, water is in your breast milk so your newborn doesn’t need to take an extra glass of water!

Not only liquid but breast milk provides the right amount of energy needed by the baby and assists the baby’s neurodevelopment.

Dynamic Composition

  • Your breast milk composition can be different between each nursing session.
  • Your breast milk composition can change during a single feed.

Which one is correct? A or B?

The answer is both!

Your body is serving different kinds of milk to your baby each time each feed. Isn’t that amazing? This is something formula milk can never achieve! Personalized full course, you hear me!

Foremilk & Hindmilk

The lipid concentration starts low first and gets higher till the end of the feed. The cellular component alters as well. You’ve probably noticed this yourself, foremilk (the milk that comes out first) is usually watery with more lactose in it. While hindmilk contains the more fat, calorie and appears to be much creamier.

Just for the Baby

Why is the composition of breast milk dynamic? One of the reasons is to meet your baby’s needs. While the baby is sucking your nipple, she is also sending her needs to your body. For instance, if your baby is having a fever, your body senses it and will provide the required antibiotics and other needed cells to bring down the fever. Having that immunity boost, your baby is going to recover soon. Not to mention, breastfeeding itself soothes sick babies.

Breastfeeding babies are healthier? Because they are drinking milk that is specifically made for them! Breast milk is bioactive yet the formula isn’t.

Baby’s Sex VS Breast Milk 

Biological scientist Katie Hinde discovered that breast milk composition differs when feeding boys and girls. Breast milk produced for girls contains more calcium and is Sweet, Sour, Hot?greater in volume. While boys get more fat and protein in the milk.

Scientists believe the difference result from providing the optimal nutrients to meet each sex’s unique growth pattern. (As you can see boys and girls follow different growth charts).

Sweet, Sour, Hot?

Not only does the composition of human milk change, but the flavor also changes as well!

Your diet decides what breast milk tastes like. So if you’ve eaten some very hot Korean instant noodles, your bub will be tasting the spiciness. And that’s definitely nothing you should be worried about! Eating spicy food while breastfeeding is safe. In fact, having a wide range of food will help your baby learn different flavors!

Having experienced all kinds of flavors help your baby when she starts eating solid food, she will be more willing to try different food.

In conclusion, breast milk is the best source for your baby as it only provides what your baby is needing. There is definitely no one-size-fits-all option among breastfeeding mamas.