The Milk Menu: Breastmilk Stages

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The Milk Menu: Breastmilk Stages

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Colostrum Milk

Colostrum is the first type of milk you make, beginning in pregnancy and continuing for the first few days after birth.(4) This milk is maybe a little different than you’d expect, sometimes thicker, and tends to be yellowish. Colostrum is very rich in nutrients and is full of antibodies that help protect your baby from getting sick by covering the lining your baby’s digestive tract. (7) It also helps your baby's digestive system grow and begin to work well. Colostrum is higher in protein, slightly lower in sugar, and much lower in fat than mature milk that comes later. (4) Since newborns are still learning how to eat and may only swallow a small amount, this rich, nutrient-concentrated milk is the perfect first meal!

The Milk Menu: Breastmilk Stages

Transitional Milk

Beginning around 2-5 days after delivery, your colostrum will start to transition into mature milk. (7) This process takes time and can last until up to 2 weeks after delivery. (2) During this time, the milk you are making is called transitional milk. Compared to colostrum, there are higher levels of good fats and sugars. You will begin to produce more milk during this time, as the amount your baby eats increases. You may notice that your breasts feel fuller, engorged, firmer, or warmer. (8) Your milk will be yellow and could look bright orange if frozen.

The Milk Menu: Breastmilk Stages

Mature Milk

About 10-15 days after birth, you will be making mature milk. (8) Like the earlier phases of milk, it has all the nutrients your baby needs, but should be supplemented with Vitamin D. (8) Mature milk is full of natural sugars, proteins, immunity boosters, vitamins, minerals, and a unique blend of fats that help your baby’s brain develop. (2) In fact, during the first six months, your baby’s brain mass will almost double! The amount of fat in mature milk changes as you feed your baby. (5) At the start of a nursing session, your milk looks more watery and has a higher sugar (lactose) content. As you nurse and your breast empties, your milk slowly becomes more fatty. To help your baby get the right mix of nutrients at each feeding, let your baby eat as much as they want from one breast before offering the other breast during a feeding.

When you give birth to your baby, your body creates an amazing food source just for your new baby. Your breastmilk naturally changes overtime, adjusting to the needs of your baby as they grow! There are small ways your milk changes day-to-day, depending on when you feed during the day or if you or your baby are sick. Your breastmilk also goes through three different phases during the first few weeks after birth. Each of these phases is important and provides key nutrients for your little one. Pediatricians recommend that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and then continue to be breastfed in addition to solid food until at least one year of age.¹ The longer a baby breastfeeds, the greater the benefit to baby and mom.

Take a look at The Milk Menu Gallery above to read more on the different types of breastmilk!

In addition to the different phases, the actual amount of milk you are making changes too. During the first few weeks, your milk supply is increasing and will begin to adjust to your baby’s needs. The more frequently your baby eats, the more milk you’ll make, through a process of supply and demand.⁴ Each time milk is removed from your breasts, either by your baby asking for more or using a breast pump to express milk, they will make more supply.

During these early weeks, your breasts may often feel heavy and full as they adjust to making milk. Around four to six weeks after birth, your milk supply should be in balance with your baby’s needs and your body will settle into the milk production, meaning your breasts may feel softer and stop leaking around this time.⁷

In Need of Breastfeeding Help?

The early days of breastfeeding can be challenging, as you and your baby are learning. Having support and access to resources is an important part of any breastfeeding journey. There are many great resources in Georgia that can help!

Georgia Breastfeeding Support Resources

• Pickles & Ice Cream’s Online Breastfeeding Class: All our classes are free and held monthly for all wanting to learn.
• ZipMilk: Find lactation support, medical professionals, open classes, support groups, counseling, and WIC breastfeeding information and support.
• WIC Breastfeeding: Provides breastfeeding information, support, and resources for your journey through breastfeeding.
• La Leche League of Georgia: Education and support via telephone or social media. Find a La Leche Leader near you on their website or call (404)-681-6342.
• Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition: Protects, promotes, and supports Georgia breastfeeding families. Visit the GBC website for information on current events and resources including laws protecting your right to breastfeed and express milk at work.

Reviewed By: Claire Eden, IBCLC, EPIC® Breastfeeding Program Director