What it means
The first milk, colostrum, is thick and yellow and rich in antibodies; it changes to mature milk over about two weeks. Breast milk gives a baby nutrition matched to its needs and protects against infections. Health groups recommend feeding only breast milk for about the first six months when possible.
For the nurse
Teach safe storage of pumped milk: label it with the date, use refrigerated milk within 4 days, thaw it in the refrigerator or warm water, and never microwave it.
At a glance
| Spanish | leche materna |
|---|---|
| Also written | breastmilk |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
mastitis
Inflammation of the breast tissue, often with infection, most common in people who are breastfeeding.
IgA
Immunoglobulin A: a kind of antibody found mostly in the body's linings and in saliva, tears and breast milk.