Step 1: Colostrum

(Birth to ~3–5 Days)

 

 

Right after birth, your breasts produce colostrum, a thick, yellowish milk packed with antibodies, protein, and nutrients. Though it’s small in volume, colostrum is perfectly designed to protect your newborn and support their tiny digestive system.

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Transitional Milk

(~3–10 Days Postpartum)

 

 

By the third day, your milk begins to change. Transitional milk is higher in calories and volume than colostrum and contains more fat, lactose, and water-soluble vitamins. This stage bridges the gap between colostrum and mature milk, preparing your baby for steady growth.

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Mature Milk

(~2 Weeks Postpartum)

 

 

Around 2 weeks after birth, your milk reaches its mature stage. Mature milk is thinner, bluish-white, and contains the perfect balance of water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies. It’s completely designed to meet your baby’s ongoing nutritional needs.

 

 

 

 

Pro Tip: Milk Adjusts to Your Baby

 

Even after reaching maturity, your milk continues to adapt. It changes throughout the day, between feedings, and even over months to provide the nutrients your baby needs at each stage of development.

 

 

Breast milk is a dynamic, living food, tailored to your baby from their very first feed and constantly evolving to support their growth, immunity, and brain development. Knowing when milk matures can reassure new parents that these changes are natural and healthy.