What are the 3 types of breast milk?
While it’s common to think breast milk is simply breast milk, it’s actually more complicated than that! It evolves as your body tailors it to your baby’s exact needs, adapting from the moment of birth and continuing throughout your breastfeeding journey.
But with all these changes, you may wonder: Is this normal? Whether you’re noticing thick golden milk, a creamier consistency, or even a bluish tint, The Lactation Network’s guide below breaks down what the 3 types of breast milk are, what they mean, and when to expect them so you can better understand your breast milk at any given point along your breastfeeding journey.
3 phases/types of breast milk
Breast milk comes in 3 general phases:
Phase 1: Colostrum
Before your baby even arrives, your body is already at work producing colostrum. This thick, golden-hued milk, sometimes referred to as “liquid gold” is packed with everything your newborn needs in their first few days:
- When to expect it: Colostrum begins forming during pregnancy (as early as 16 weeks!) and is available immediately after birth.
- Purpose: It’s loaded with proteins, vitamins and white blood cells that produce antibodies to boost your baby’s immune system and coat their gut, setting up lifelong digestive health.
- What’s normal? Small amounts (think teaspoons rather than ounces). Since newborns have tiny stomachs, this is exactly the right amount for them.
Colostrum can be yellow, orange, or even slightly clear. It’s thicker than mature milk, as it’s meant to provide dense nutrition in small doses.
Phase 2: Transitional milk
Around days 2–5 postpartum, colostrum makes way for transitional milk. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “your milk is coming in”, this is what people are talking about!
- When to expect it: Between days 2–5 postpartum, lasting about two weeks.
- Purpose: Being higher in fat, lactose, calories, and volume than colostrum, transitional milk fuels your baby’s rapid growth.
- What’s normal? It may look creamy or even slightly yellowish as it shifts toward mature milk.
Many parents experience engorgement during this phase as milk production ramps up. If it’s uncomfortable, frequent nursing and gentle massage can help. And if you’re wondering if your supply is enough, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help you assess and troubleshoot.
Phase 3: Mature milk
By week 2–3 postpartum, your body has settled into producing mature milk, which continues throughout the duration of your nursing or pumping journey. This is the milk your baby will thrive on in the weeks, months, or even years ahead.
- When to expect it: Around 2–3 weeks postpartum and beyond.
- Purpose: This dynamic, ever-changing fluid adjusts to your baby’s needs, providing hydration, immune support, and nutrition.
- What’s normal?
- Foremilk (the milk at the start of a feeding) is thinner and bluish.
- Hindmilk (the milk at the end of a feeding) is creamier and higher in fat.
Mature milk composition shifts throughout the day and even within a single feed. Your baby regulates their intake by nursing for as long as they need to get the right mix.
What if my breastmilk is blue, green, or even pink/orange?
Breast milk comes in more colors than you might expect. Believe it or not, this is usually normal:
- Bluish/clear milk: Often seen in foremilk and is completely normal.
- Green milk: Could be from eating leafy greens or food dyes.
- Pink or red milk: Sometimes caused by eating beets, but also could indicate blood from cracked nipples (which is safe for babies in small amounts but worth checking with an IBCLC).
- Orange milk: Carrots or sweet potatoes may be the culprit.
In general, color variations are usually harmless and linked to diet, hydration, or natural milk composition. But if you ever have concerns, an IBCLC can help determine what’s going on!
When in doubt, ask an IBCLC
Breastfeeding is full of surprises, and breast milk itself is no exception. If you’re ever unsure about what phase you’re in, whether your milk supply is on track, or if a color change seems concerning, connect with an insurance covered International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They’re here to support you and make sure both you and your baby are getting everything you need.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
