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Under the influence of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, women produce milk after pregnancy to feed their baby. The initial milk produced is often referred to as colostrum, which is high in the immunoglobulin IgA, which coats the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to protect the newborn until its own immune system is functioning properly along with creating a mild laxative effect, expelling meconiumMeconium (also spelled merconium) is the first feces of a newborn. It is a black, sticky substance. Regular feces appear a few days after birth. The name literally means " poppy juice" in Latin. See also Meconium aspiration syndrome. and helping to prevent the build up of bilirubinBilirubin is a yellow breakdown product of haem heme in American English). Haem is a special ring shaped molecule that is found in haemoglobin. The haem ring holds the iron atoms of haem and is essential to the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Bilirubin (a contributory factor in jaundiceJaundice technically known as icterus is yellowing of the skin, sclera (eyes) and mucous membranes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the system. Usually the concentration of bilirubin in the blood must exceed 2-3mg/dL for the coloration to be eas).
The exact integrated properties of breast milk are not entirely understood, but the nutrientNutrients and the body A nutrient is any element or compound that is necessary for or contributes to an organism's metabolism, growth, or other functioning. There are six nutrient groups and these can be divided into those that provide energy and those th content after this period is relatively consistent and draws its ingredients from the mother's food supply. If that supply is found lacking, content is obtained from the mother's bodily stores. The exact composition of breast milk varies from day to day, depending on food consumption and environment, meaning that the ratio of water to fatThis article is about lipid molecules, for FAT see File Allocation Table. In biochemistry, fat is a generic term for a class of lipids. Fats are produced by organic processes in animals and plants. All fats are insoluble in water and have a density signif fluctuates. Foremilk, the milk released at the beginning of a feed, is watery, low in fat and high in carbohydrateCarbohydrates (literally hydrates of carbon are chemical compounds that act as the primary biological means of storing or consuming energy, other forms being fat and protein. Relatively complex carbohydrates are known as polysaccharides. Carbohydrates ares relative to the creamier hindmilk which is released as the feed progresses. The breast can never be truly "emptied" since milk production is a continuous biologic process.
Though now it is almost universally prescribed, in the 1950s the practice of breastfeeding went through a period where it was out of vogue and the use of artificial formula milk was considered superior to breast milk.