The mother’s milk changes mind-blowingly its composition, taste and colour to suit the baby’s needs. Discover how..

1. Breastmilk changes as the baby grows

In the beginning, breasts produce thick,honey-textured colostrum which is packed with immunological components that protect the baby. One of the major immune boosters is secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), which does not let bacteria to get in through the gut, thus protecting the baby from inside out. Colostrum is lower in some nutrients such as lactose and fat than mature milk and higher in others such as protein and potassium. It also has a laxative effect that helps a baby pass its momentous first poop, a terrifying black tar-like substance called meconium.)

After the baby is given initial immune-system supercharge in the first two to three days, breastmilk changes again and increases in volume. This is called transitional milk that lasts for three to seven days. It transforms into mature milk after two weeks. This mature milk is not different from colostrum, but is more diluted for higher volume.

Next major change occurs when the baby hits the toddler years. The volume begins to decrease and becomes concentrated with fat and immunological components.

2. Breastmilk changes during growth spurts and illnesses

Baby tends to nurse frequently for several days during a growth spurt that raises the fat content of milk. Breastmilk also changes when the baby is sick or exposed to illness. Sick baby passes cue to the mother via saliva, signalling mother’s body to produce antibodies. Similarly, if the mother is exposed to a virus, she produces antibodies that pass to the baby for protection.

3. Breastmilk changes from day to night

The milk produced in the early hours of day is greater in volume and faster flow due to higher levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Breastmilk produced at the end of the day contains more serotonin and other elements to help baby sleep.

4. Breastmilk changes during feeding

Foremilk, milk at the beginning of feed, is more watery while hindmilk, milk at the end, is fattier.

5.Breastmilk changes colour

There is a wide range of normal when it comes to the colour of breastmilk, some of the possibilities being blue, yellow, cream & orange. They are all perfect for the baby. A few medicines may affect the colour such as minocycline can turn it to black, but even that’s fine for the newborn. The only alert condition is the breast milk turning pink, red or rusty that could be due to blood from damaged nipples or breast tissues.

6. Breastmilk changes flavour

The food that mothers eat may change the flavour of breastmilk, varying in degrees. Researches have shown that eating raw garlic altered the smell of breastmilk. Studies have shown that the flavour of menthol lasts the longest, while taste of banana for only half an hour.

The composition of milk also affects the flavour. Higher sodium content in colostrum makes it salty.