What Is Transitional Breast Milk? Information And Advice
Transition milk is the second stage of breast milk production. Transition milk production is a combination of colostrum (the first stage of breast milk) and mature breast milk (the third and last stage of breast milk).
Breast milk changes from colostrum to transitional breast milk between the second and fifth day after the baby is born. This is not an exact thing, as it can vary in some mothers, delaying it a little longer. On the other hand, in women who have had a baby before and who have been breastfed before, transitional breastmilk could start earlier.
The “rise of milk”
During the transition period a mother may find her breasts full of milk. This is what is commonly known as the “rise of milk.” The breasts swell and become heavy, which can be very painful.
If this doesn’t happen before the fifth or sixth day after the baby is born it is important to consult with your doctor. A delay in the production of breast milk can be dangerous for the baby, as it can become dehydrated and lose weight.
Duration of transitional breast milk
The breast milk transition period lasts until the breast milk is fully mature, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks after delivery. Thus, the transition period for breast milk occurs between 10 and 14 days.
During these days, the milk will look very concrete when mixed with colostrum. Colostrum is usually yellow or orange in color and thicker in consistency. Mature breast milk is more watery and is usually white, light yellow or even bluish in color.
Since transitional milk is a mixture of both types of breast milk, the result can be any combination of these consistencies and colors. It will most likely appear yellow and creamy at first. But as the days go by and it grows, the more mature milk will start to change the appearance of the milk.
As for the amount of milk produced, compared to colostrum, which produces very small amounts, the supply of transitional breast milk is much greater. In fact, it ‘s easy to go from colostrum production of 6 or 7 milliliters per day to 500 or 600 milliliters of daily transitional breast milk per week of the baby’s life.
What’s in Transition Breast Milk?
Transitional breast milk is a combination of all the nutrients and health-promoting substances that make up colostrum and mature breast milk, and contains all the nutrients needed by the baby.
As you switch from colostrum to mature milk, the amount of protein and antibodies in transitional breast milk starts to drop a little. However, the amount of fat, sugars and calories increases. These higher levels of fat, sugar and calories help your baby regain some of the weight she lost in the first few days after birth.
What to do to relieve breast congestion during the milk transition period?
Breast congestion is a normal and common experience during the breast milk transition period. It usually starts a few days after giving birth and is the result of the sudden increase in the amount of breast milk being produced.
To relieve breast congestion during the milk transition period, it is advisable to breastfeed the baby frequently during the first few days to relieve pressure. However, if the breasts are too swollen it can be difficult for the baby to grasp the nipple. To help the baby, it is good to express some milk before offering the breast. This will soften the chest and make the baby’s job easier.
Breast pain can be relieved by putting on cold compresses, but this can be dangerous. As an occasional measure, that’s fine. However, it is much more effective to massage under the hot shower. This will help so that the milk doesn’t get stuck in the ducts. It will also allow some milk to come out, which will be a big relief.
Also, breast congestion can cause fever. In any case, if fever and/or severe pain occur you should consult your doctor. Pain can be relieved with some pain relievers. Keep in mind that breast congestion will last for a short period of time, until milk production adjusts to the baby’s needs.
