The Power of Breastmilk – alive magazine

The first days of a baby’s life are filled with wonder, awe, and a bit of apprehension, too. Among the many decisions parents make, choosing how to feed their newborn is one of the most significant. Understanding early nutrition can help parents to support their child’s health in the most optimal way.

Breastmilk is more than just food

Many people may think of breastmilk as food for babies, but beyond its nutritional value—which is nothing short of miraculous—breastmilk provides a blend of compounds that build and support the developing immune system. Breastfed infants are at a lower risk of developing certain immunological conditions, including type 1 diabetes, and may also have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Babies who are breastfed for at least six months have a lower risk of neurodevelopmental delays, and breastfeeding for more than eight weeks was associated with a reduction in sudden infant death syndrome, even when it wasn’t the sole source of nutrition.

“It is strongly recommended that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and then for as long as moms are able to after that—up to two years and beyond—alongside solid foods,” says Shayla Stanley, a registered nurse and lactation consultant based in Kamloops, BC.

But this doesn’t just support newborns—moms also benefit. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
“It also helps promote healing and enables the uterus to return close to pre-pregnancy size,” adds Stanley. “The oxytocin release while breastfeeding helps moms feel calm and bonded with the baby.”

Colostrum

The first milk is known as colostrum—a concentrated source of antibodies and nutrients that help protect babies as they adjust to life outside the womb. That’s why many refer to colostrum as “baby’s first vaccine”.

Colostrum is produced during the last stages of pregnancy and for the first two to five days after birth. It’s thicker and more yellow than mature breastmilk, packed with compounds that help give the baby the best possible start. Human milk oligosaccharides help protect the baby’s gut and reduce the risk of allergies and asthma, while the antibodies it contains, such as immunoglobulin A, helps protect the baby’s gut against pathogens while influencing the development of a robust microbiota.

“Colostrum is very beneficial for all newborns,” says Stanley. “For premature babies, it may reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.”

Transitional milk

After the first few days, the body produces transitional milk, which bridges the gap between colostrum and mature milk. From five days to approximately two weeks postpartum, it reflects a shift toward higher milk supply while retaining many colostrum-like properties. The increase in this production helps support the growing nutritional needs of the child.

Mature milk

About two weeks after birth, breastmilk evolves into mature milk, which lasts for months and adapts to a baby’s changing requirements. “Mature milk maintains the immune properties but contains higher amounts of fats, milk carbohydrates, and proteins, and [is produced] in a larger volume, which helps keep the baby hydrated,” explains Stanley.

Alternatives

Cultural expectations around breastfeeding can weigh heavily on moms, particularly when breastfeeding isn’t possible. “Sometimes moms are not able to breastfeed their babies due to an inability to produce breastmilk, produce enough, or because of certain health conditions,” says Stanley. “When breastfeeding does not happen as expected, added societal pressure can impact mental health.”

Ultimately, Stanley says making sure an infant gets the nourishment it needs is what’s important. She adds that bottle feeding doesn’t impede closeness: “Moms can still bond with their baby through skin-to-skin contact and cuddling.”

Stanley also points to numerous alternatives for parents who supplement or use a source of nutrition other than breastmilk. Currently, there are four licensed human milk banks in Canada operating in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. And as far as formula goes, there are several types to choose from. In addition to cow’s milk– and soy-based formulas, goat-milk formula is now available in Canada. “Formula should be providing the same nutritional value,” says Stanley. “So choosing one over another can come down to preference, tolerability, and affordability, too.”

This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of alive magazine.