BREAST MILK, ITS PRODUCTION, AND NUTRIENTS
Tags: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Newborn, Breastfeeding, Baby Products, Baby Food

Exclusive breastfeeding

Background

Without a doubt, sufficient information has evidenced that breast milk is the most naturally valuable food to be provided as a source of nutrients for the newly born. For this to happen successfully, approaches that embrace exclusive breastfeeding practices should strongly be undertaken by the nursing mother. Such an undertaking results in numerous advantages that are attributed to the genuine breastfeeding practice, these include; protecting the baby against infections, building a psychosocial bond with the baby, and being an example of encouragement to fellow mothers, among others.

In this article, the production, types, and nutrient profile of breast milk have been discussed below;

Production of breast milk

Normal milk production occurs only as a result of suckling by the feeding baby. The suckling act acts as a message to the afferent nerves within the breast which sends an electrical message to the brain cells. The brain cells interpret the message and send an electrochemical feedback message which stimulates the pituitary gland to start producing the hormone “oxytocin” that travels in the blood to the breast where it stimulates milk production from the milk-producing cells (alveoli). Milk then travels through the milk ducts and flows out of the breast through the nipples for the feeding baby to access.

Small breasts versus large breasts dilemma

The size of the breasts should not be a problem and/or an excuse for the nursing mother. The suckling act from the feeding baby is always the major influencing factor for milk production and it is independent of breast size. So, milk will always flow. However, breast size affects milk storage capacity i.e. the larger the breast the more milk storage capacity and vice versa. The storage capacity thus affects the milk flow amount during the breastfeeding process, meaning; small breasts empty faster than large breasts as the baby feeds.

Types of breast milk and their nutrient compositions

Breast milk has three major types i.e.

Colostrum

Transitional milk

Mature milk

Colostrum is the first milk produced from the breasts. It is usually for the first breastfeeding exercise for the nursing mother. It is the milk produced within the first week (1–7 days) after birth appearing as a thick, yellow-colored fluid. The yellow color is caused by the presence of beta-carotene, a molecule from which vitamin A is formed. Additionally, colostrum is rich in fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, proteins, and immunoglobulin A (IgA).

Transitional milk is the breast milk product produced after the first 7days following birth (i.e. 7–21 days). It is rich in high levels of fat, water-soluble vitamins, lactose, and contains more calories than colostrum but with a lower immunoglobulin content.

Mature milk is that breast milk product produced after 21 days following birth. It is paler, more watery, and thinner than colostrum. This product contains 90% water and the remaining 10% accounting for nutrients such as; proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (e.g. lactose). It contains more water because the baby’s demands for water have increased at this stage.

Mature milk is produced in two phases as the baby feeds. These include; foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is the first liquid phase of the mature milk product and it accounts mostly for water. Hind milk is the second liquid phase that flows following the foremilk; this phase is richer in the other nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) than the foremilk. It is the hindmilk that causes the baby to feel satisfied which usually induces a sleepy state.

Conclusion

To sum up, breast milk should be the only genuine source of food for the newly born as it contains all the necessary nutrients for the baby. Through the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, the baby will acquire all the nutritional necessities for life. This practice should not be hindered by factors relating to breast size because the flow of breast milk is independent of such but only dependent on the suckling act provided by the feeding baby and thus allowing colostrum, transitional, and/or mature breast milk to flow depending on the stage of breastfeeding, postpartum.

REFERENCE

Sokan — Adeaga Micheal Ayodeji., et al. (2019). A Systematic Review on Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Sub-Saharan Africa: Facilitators and Barriers. Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 3.7: 53–65.

Related topics

Nutrients in breast milk

Breastfeeding stages