We say that breast milk is a complete and adequate food for the baby's needs — not only because of its richness in nutrients, but also due to its composition, which includes hormones, growth factors, protective microorganisms, and microRNAs that help build the baby's immune system through the gut.

The richness of breast milk is also evident in the fact that it is a living food — its composition changes from one woman to another and can vary depending on the time of day, the baby’s sex, and the baby’s age.

Did you know that male babies receive breast milk with a higher fat and calcium content?

Or that breast milk for a preterm baby contains more protein than that for a full-term baby? 

And that mid-morning is the time when breast milk tends to have the highest fat content?

These changes occur in response to the baby's evolving needs.

One of the most influential factors in the nutritional quality of breast milk is the mother's nutritional status. For example, mothers who are overweight tend to produce milk that is richer in pro-inflammatory fatty acids and poorer in protective components.

A mother’s nutritional condition has a significant impact — before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and throughout lactation.

Dr. Cátia Pontes

Registered Dietitian, Professor & Researcher

PhD in Food Consumption and Nutrition Sciences from the University of Porto.

Coordinator of the Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition - School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Portugal

https://www.cienciavitae.pt/portal/4114-E973-CD25