What changes occur in breast milk after 6 months? Will the quality of breast milk decrease after 6 months?

We all know that babies usually get nutrition from breast milk when they are just born. Many mothers will breastfeed, especially when the baby is relatively young. When breastfeeding reaches 6 months, it is generally necessary to add complementary food to the baby. So is breast milk no longer nutritious after 6 months? Let's take a closer look!

Is breast milk still nutritious after 6 months?

After the baby is 6 months old, breast milk is still nutritious, but the baby grows up and the demand sometimes increases. If there are no special circumstances, it is recommended that the mother insists on breastfeeding.

Breast milk after months is still very nutritious, so it is still recommended that mothers insist on breastfeeding. Babies can eat breast milk until they are one year old. If conditions permit, breastfeeding can be continued until the baby is two years old. However, complementary foods can also be added appropriately to meet the baby's other growth needs.

What happens to breast milk after 6 months?

In fact, the nutritional content of breast milk will not change after 6 months. If any changes do occur, it may be because the mother has added complementary foods to the baby, so that the baby feeds less often, and the amount of milk secreted will naturally decrease.

As the baby grows older, the intake of complementary food increases, and the frequency of sucking breast milk decreases, so the breast milk will automatically concentrate nutrients and antibodies, so mothers feel that the breast milk has become less. In fact, breast milk is rich in nutrients at any time. It's just that the baby grows up and the demand increases.

Generally, when the baby is about 4 to 6 months old, the mother can add some complementary food to the baby in moderation, but it should be noted that before the baby is one year old, breast milk should still be the baby's main source of nutrition.

What are the differences between breast milk at different stages?

The nutritional composition of breast milk at different stages is also different. It can be divided into colostrum, transitional milk, mature milk and late milk according to time.

The mother's breast milk will change with the time after delivery to supply the baby's nutritional needs at each stage of growth.

colostrum

The secretion of milk is a gradual change in quality and quantity. Generally, the milk secreted by the mother within 4-5 days after the baby is born is called colostrum. It is the baby's first food after coming into the world. Colostrum is rich in nutrients, which can enhance the baby's immunity and reduce the chance of illness within six months after birth.

Transition milk

The milk secreted by the mother 6-10 days after the baby is born is called transitional milk. The breast milk during this period has the highest fat content, while the protein and minerals gradually decrease.

Mature milk

The milk secreted by the mother from 11 days to 9 months after the baby is born is called mature milk. During this period, the protein level is maintained at a relatively constant level. Although the content is lower than that of colostrum, it is superior to other milks because of the appropriate proportions of various protein components, rich fats and carbohydrates as well as vitamins and trace elements, and enzymes and immune substances that help digestion.

Late breast

Breast milk after 10 months is called late breast milk. The protein, fat and other nutrients in breast milk are still very suitable for babies. However, mothers need to add complementary foods according to the baby's growth to meet the baby's full nutritional needs.