Your breast produces colostrum during your pregnancy.  It starts to increase the production of milk within 30-40 hours after delivery of the baby and will have full production by the 2nd or 3rd day (although some mothers may take slightly longer if it is a first-time mother, Caesarean delivery, excess blood loss during delivery or stressful & painful labour)

The 3 stages of breast milk are;

• Colostrum is the first milk which is thick and yellow from birth to day 3-5.  Although it is in small quantity (around 10-30 ml initially), the colostrum helps to line your child’s digestive tract and prepare for your breast milk. Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals as well as providing antibodies to protect the child from infections
• Transitional milk is produced from day 3-5 for the 2nd week. Your breasts will become fuller and that your breast milk changes from yellow to a bluish-white color. It contains more calories and higher levels of fat, lactose and water-soluble vitamins. 
• Mature breast milk is produced after 15 days. This is the final milk that is produced of which 90% of it is water, which is necessary to keep your infant hydrated. The rest is comprised of protein, fat and carbohydrate which is necessary for growth and energy for your baby. Mature milk comprises of FORE-MILK which is found during the beginning of the feeding and contains water, vitamins, and protein while HIND-MILK is found towards the end of feeding can contain more fat which is necessary for weight gain.

Human breast milk is specially produced for babies and it tastes and smells different each time because the fat content may change from feed to feed. There are many benefits for the baby who have been breast fed since birth. Breastfeeding should be continued for at least 180 to 365 days (6-12 months) in order to get the full benefit of the breast feeding process. The benefits for the baby include ;

• Better immunity against infections
• Better brain and digestive development
• Better mother-baby bonding
• Reduced risk of developing diabetes, asthma or allergies as an adult
• Reduced risk of obesity

Some tips to improve your milk production

• Warm your breast with moist heat and gentle massage
• Place your baby near your breast to encourage skin-to-skin contact
• Pump your breast regularly alternating between each breast at a time or simultaneously using a dual electric pump

How to eat and drink to improve your milk productions

• Drink more water every day to quench your thirst, but not too much to cause over-hydration
• Take foods which encourage lactation (see the list below)
• Eat enough calories every day while breastfeeding

Normal	Pregnant mothers	Breast feeding mothers
1800-2000 kCal/day	2000-2470 kCal/day	2500 kCal/day

There are also common food taboos found in Asian countries such as avoiding ‘cold food or drinks’ to prevent ‘wind’, ‘chills’ and ‘rheumatism’.  Mothers are encouraged to eat and drink according to their needs if the diet is balance and in moderation.

There are many Galactagogues (substances which help stimulate milk production) found naturally in our foods which can be included into delicious soups or meals.  These include;

• Green papaya
• Quinoa
• Oats
• Fenugreek seeds
• Carrots
• Fennel
• Sesame seeds
• Almonds
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Black cumin
• Red dates
• Goji berry

Diet tips during your confinement period

• Start your diet with early digestible foods
• Eat local and seasonal fresh produce
• Eat more nutrient-dense foods such as green leafy vegetables
• Avoid empty calories (like biscuits or snacks)
• Avoid raw meat or fish like sashimi

Discuss with your doctor or lactation therapist about Breast-Feeding

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.