I have been BF my 11 week old and will be going back to work next week. I was told that my early breastmilk has fewer calories than my current supply. Is this true? If so, what should I do about using my frozen EBM for day care?
Who told you this?? You're breast milk changes, but you shouldn't consider not using it because of that. Breast milk is golden from the beginning.
Glad you asked this question. I wouldn't worry about it at all!!
Actually, it is the opposite. The early breastmilk has more fat in it to help get the baby started. Now when the baby gets older and starts taking solids, your milk supply will adjust to give the baby the same about of antibodies etc in a lesser amount of milk, and thus it becomes more concentrated in that way, but it doesn't really have more calories. Using your EBM for daycare is just fine...that is what all working moms do. Calorie content changes through over time as the amount of fat in the milk changes, but it is not anything to be worried about.
Some info on milk content http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/change-milkfat.html
And info on colostrum, which is the initial milk that the baby gets: http://www.mother-2-mother.com/colostrum.htm
Hmm, I haven't heard of such a thing but it may be the case. Breastmilk is golden and any and all at anytime should be used. :) Good luck.
It is more "potent" as they get older... that is how older children get the nutrients they need without having to drink 100 oz a day. Can you imagine??
But, you older milk will be fine. You may find that your LO doen't eat much when you are gone. Mine prefered to get it right from the source, so he would eat much less at daycare and then nurse at night more. They prefer the closeness of you and just eat enough to get by when you are not there. This isn't true for all babies (nothing is), but don't be surprised if it happens.
C.:
used the milk you have stored and do not worry about this. breastmilk changes constantly... over the course of a feed/ over the course of a day... it works out over the course of a day.
P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
www.breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com
Definately talk to your day care provider about their policy/procedure for using frozen breastmilk. Some places want YOU to have it thawed out, some will do it for you. Make sure they're not microwaving it... the best way to thaw breastmilk is by placing it in warm water to slowly thaw.
You should also be able to call a lactation consultant at the hospital you delivered at (a number could be in the information you left the hospital with) and she could give you some pointers on how to use your frozen breastmilk at a day care center. However, still do check with your day care provider because they may also have a procedure in place.
I would also confirm w/ the consultant about the calories. I'm not entirely sure on that one. I do know that the early breastmilk is a bit different, but it's also because the newborns need those added things being so young. Definately try speaking to a consultant...they're usually quite good about calling back pretty quickly if you have to leave a message, too.
The content of your breastmilk does change as your baby ages (it's so miraculous!) to better accomodate your baby's changing needs. That being said, there's no problem with using your earlier breastmilk as a supply for when you go back to work. It's still the best food for your baby--just a little different make-up than your current milk. If you have any breastfeeding questions, you should get in touch with La Leche League at www.llli.org.
