Study note

Breast milk composition across stages and gestation

THE CONTEXT

Breast milk composition varies with time, gestation, and within a feeding session to meet the baby's requirements.

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Colostrum is secreted during the initial 3–4 days after delivery.

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It is small in quantity, yellow, and thick, with large amounts of antibodies, immune-competent cells, and vitamins A, D, E, and K.

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Transitional milk is secreted from 3–4 days until two weeks.

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During this phase, immunoglobulin and protein content decreases while fat and sugar content increases.

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Mature milk follows transitional milk. It is thinner and watery but contains all nutrients essential for optimal neonatal growth.

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Preterm milk contains more proteins, sodium, iron, immunoglobulins, and calories to meet the preterm baby's requirements.

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Very preterm neonates may require milk fortification with additional nutrients to meet their high calorie, protein, and mineral requirements.

NEETx

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