How does your body know when to switch from colostrum to milk?

Understanding the Transition from Colostrum to Mature Milk
The journey of breastfeeding begins with colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich nutrient profile and immune-boosting properties. This first milk is produced in the days immediately following childbirth and plays a crucial role in the health of newborns. But how does the body know when to transition from colostrum to mature milk?
The Role of Hormones
The transition from colostrum to mature milk is primarily regulated by hormonal changes in the mother’s body. After delivery, the placenta is expelled, leading to a significant drop in pregnancy hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. This hormonal shift triggers the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. As prolactin levels rise, the body begins to produce more mature milk, which is thinner and has a higher fat and sugar content compared to colostrum.
The Timeline of Transition
Typically, colostrum is produced for the first few days postpartum, with mature milk usually coming in around two to five days after birth. By this time, the mother’s body has adjusted to the demands of breastfeeding, and the milk supply stabilizes. The transition is generally complete by four to six weeks after delivery, at which point all the milk produced can be classified as mature milk.
Nutritional Differences
Colostrum is notably different from mature milk in its composition. It is rich in proteins, antibodies, and other essential nutrients, making it ideal for newborns who need to build their immune systems and establish a healthy gut microbiome. In contrast, mature milk contains more carbohydrates and fats, providing the energy that growing infants require.
The Importance of Demand
The process of transitioning from colostrum to mature milk is also influenced by the baby’s feeding patterns. The more frequently a baby breastfeeds, the more signals are sent to the mother’s body to produce milk. This demand-driven mechanism ensures that the milk supply meets the baby’s nutritional needs as they grow.
Conclusion
In summary, the switch from colostrum to mature milk is a complex interplay of hormonal changes, nutritional needs, and the baby’s feeding behavior. This natural process ensures that newborns receive the essential nutrients and immune support they need during their critical early days of life. As mothers navigate this transition, understanding the underlying mechanisms can help them appreciate the remarkable adaptability of their bodies in nurturing their infants.

Does kissing your baby change your breastmilk?

When a mother kisses her baby, she samples the pathogens on her baby’s face, which then travel to the mom’s lymphatic system. The mother’s body then creates the antibodies to fight those pathogens, which she feeds to her baby in her milk. So amazing, right!?

Can you run out of colostrum before your milk comes in?

Be reassured that colostrum does not ‘run out’. You will continue to produce colostrum until your milk ‘comes in’ (about 3 days after your baby has been born). You can express as often as you feel comfortable to do so.

What triggers colostrum to change to milk?

Once your baby and placenta are delivered, a sudden drop in your estrogen and progesterone causes the hormone prolactin to take over. Prolactin is the hormone that produces milk. You’ll notice your milk production increases dramatically at this stage.

At what point does colostrum turn to milk?

Colostrum is the first form of breastmilk that is released by the mammary glands after giving birth. It’s nutrient-dense and high in antibodies and antioxidants to build a newborn baby’s immune system. It changes to breast milk within two to four days after your baby is born.

How does a woman’s body know when to produce milk?

When your baby suckles, it sends a message to your brain. The brain then signals the hormones, prolactin and oxytocin to be released. Prolactin causes the alveoli to begin making milk. Oxytocin causes muscles around the alveoli to squeeze milk out through the milk ducts.

What are the benefits of adults taking colostrum?

One of the most popular uses of colostrum is for improved digestion and gut health. There are many claims that it can help strengthen your gut, reduce bloating and fight infections in the digestive tract. Since bovine colostrum is designed to protect a newborn calf’s gut, it may do the same for human adults.

How do you know when you switch from colostrum to milk?

Transitional milk comes when mature breast milk gradually replaces colostrum. You will make transitional milk from 2-5 days after delivery until up to 2 weeks after delivery. You may notice that your breasts become fuller and warmer and that your milk slowly changes to a bluish-white color.

What is the colostrum rule?

The colostrum 123 rule: ‘feed the first milk the cow produces, within 2 hours of birth and feed at least 3 litres‘, has seen a significant improvement in calf health. There is still room for further improvement by delivering good quality colostrum within the correct timeframe.

Why can’t you pump colostrum?

Colostrum Collection
It is recommended to express antenatally by hand rather than use an electric or manual breast pump because colostrum is produced in small quantities and can easily stick to the pump parts and be harder to collect. Also, a pump at this stage may feel more uncomfortable than gentle hands.

How does your body know to change breast milk?

Your baby’s saliva transfers chemicals to a mother’s body that causes breastmilk to adjust to meet the changing needs of your baby as they grow.