What does human breast milk contain?

Human milk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein. Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion. If artificial milk, also called formula, has a greater percentage of casein, it will be more difficult for the baby to digest. read more

Human milk also contains fats that are essential for the health of your baby. It is necessary for brain development, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and is a primary calorie source. Long chain fatty acids are needed for brain, retina, and nervous system development. read more

One of the wonderful characteristics of human milk is the way it changes to meet your baby's needs as he grows. The breast milk a mother produces for her premature baby differs from the milk she would produce for a full-term newborn, and that differs from the milk she'll have for her 6-month-old baby. read more

Two 25-milliliter samples of human breast milk. The lefthand sample is first milk produced and the righthand sample is milk produced later during the same pumping. Breast milk is the milk produced by the breasts (or mammary glands) of a human female to feed a child. read more