WHAT ACTUALLY IS BREASTMILK ?

Firstly, it is COLOSTRUM - which is produced during pregnancy and the first dew days after birth and is rich in nutrients.

* 5ml colostrum equals 30mls mature milk in nutritional value.

* It is higher in protein and milk sugar and lower in fat and water than mature breastmilk.

* It is ideally suited to the needs of a newborn.

* It helps establish important bacteria in the digestive tract, acts as a laxative and gives immunity and protection against certain infections.

As your milk comes in after about the 3rd day, the consistency will be:

FOREMILK: which is immediately available to your baby when he starts suckling- it doesn't satisfy your baby's hunger.

HINDMILK: this is calorie rich and if your baby is allowed to suckle for as long as she wants on the first breast- he will be sure to get the nutritious hindmilk.