Identify the Color of Breast Milk that is Good and Quality for Babies

The color of breast milk can sometimes change from day to day. The color of breast milk can be yellow, clear white, greenish, slightly bluish or even pink. This change in breast milk color often makes mothers confused to recognize the color of good and quality breast milk for babies. So, in order not to panic seeing the changes in breast milk color, this article will explain the differences in the color of good breast milk.

What color is good breast milk?

The color of good breast milk cannot be generalized to all breastfeeding mothers. Every breastfeeding moms produce breast milk according to her body condition. However, there are also moms who think that the color of good breast milk is yellowish white. So when you find the color of breast milk that is different and not as usual, you will be plagued with excessive worry.

Even though changes in breast milk color are very normal for breastfeeding mothers. Not only the color of breast milk is good, even the composition and amount of breast milk produced often changes rapidly. So, you don't need to compare the color of your own breast milk with other breastfeeding mothers. Here are the colors of good and quality breast milk and the causes of changes that breastfeeding mothers must know:

1. Yellow Breast Milk Color

The first breast milk produced by breastfeeding mothers after giving birth will be yellow or orange (liquid gold) which is also called colostrum. The texture of the colostrum is very thick and can only be produced for the first few days. Even the first colostrum or yellow breast milk color can come out during pregnancy from 5-6 months of pregnancy.

At the beginning of breastfeeding, do not be surprised if the colostrum produced is only a little or about 40-50 ml. Because actually this amount can fulfill the stomach needs of the child. Moreover, this small amount of colostrum is highly qualified and beneficial for newborns because it contains antibodies that can help form the baby's immune system.

2. White Breast Milk Color

A good change in the color of breast milk also occurs after one week of the birth of the child. from the yellowish color of breast milk will change to the color of white breast milk due to the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk. So the color of breast milk will appear whiter than before. This white breast milk color is important because it contains rich fat, lactose, and vitamins.

As time goes by, breast milk products will increase. In one day moms can produce about 300-400 ml. Breast milk production is also influenced by the principle of breast milk supply and demand (supply and demand). That is, the more often you breastfeed your little one, the milk production will also increase.

3. Clear Breast Milk Color

This clear breast milk is divided into two, namely foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is breast milk that comes out at the beginning of breastfeeding in a clean clear white color. Foremilk looks thinner because it contains water and is low in fat but high in lactose. Meanwhile, hindmilk is the breast milk that the baby gets at the end of breastfeeding, which is thick in color because it contains high fat.

4. Red or Pink Breast Milk Color

Changes in the color of red or pink breast milk are caused by several things, such as wounds in the nipple area so that the breast milk that comes out is red or pink because it is mixed with blood. There is also a red or pink breast milk color due to the influence of food consumed by breastfeeding mothers. Examples are soda drinks, juices or red packaged foods.

However, breastfeeding mothers should be aware if the change in the color of pink or red breast milk is due to an injury to the nipple. Because there is usually an infection or mastitis and can be caused by bacteria entering from an open wound in the nipple.

5. Green Breast Milk Color

As said before, the color of breast milk can change due to the influence of food or drinks consumed by breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding mothers do not need to worry because this green breast milk color change is due to eating a large amount of vegetables. For example, seaweed, spinach or other green vegetables. It can also be due to certain herbs and supplements that are commonly added to food.

6. Black Breast Milk Color

Although it rarely happens, the color of breast milk can change to black. This black breast milk color occurs if breastfeeding mothers take certain antibiotics for a long period of time. A study mentioned that some drugs and antibiotics can change the color of breast milk to black.

So, those are some good and quality breast milk colors that can be experienced by any breastfeeding mother. Basically, all good breast milk colors can be any color. But you should pay attention to whether the change lasts long or not. If necessary, consult with a lactation doctor.

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