Breast Milk

Not all the properties of breast milk are understood, but its nutrient content is relatively stable. Breast milk is made from the nutrients in the bloodstream and bodily stores. Breastfeeding uses an average of 500 calories per day and helps the mother lose weight after giving birth. The composition of breast milk changes depending on how long the baby nurses at each session, as well as on the age of the child.

Research shows that the milk and energy content of breastmilk actually decreases after the first year. Breastmilk adapts to a toddler's developing system, providing exactly the right amount of nutrition at exactly the right time. In fact, research shows that between the ages of 12 and 24 months, 448 milliliters of human milk provide these percentages of the following minimum daily requirements:

*Energy: 29%

*Folate: 76%

*Protein: 43%

*Vitamin B12: 94%

*Calcium: 36%

*Vitamin C: 60%

*Vitamin A: 75%

The quality of a mother's breast milk may be compromised by stress, bad food habits, chronic illnesses, smoking, and drinking.