Females of each mammalian species produce milk of different composition, adapted to the needs of their offspring. The protein content of each is related to the growth rate of the species and the lactose content is probably related to postnatal brain development. Of all those known, female milk has the lowest protein content and the highest lactose content (a disaccharide made up of glucose and galactose, which represents practically all the sugar). In addition, breast milk contains: fats, vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, immunological and defensive factors; and the proportion of water is about 88%.
Therefore, breastfeeding has practically all advantages, since it provides: better digestive, metabolic and nutritional state, greater immunological protection, a lower risk of allergic sensitization, a better psychic evaluation with a different conception of motherhood and better psycho-affective development of the child, lower morbidity and infant mortality, greater cerebral and sensorial development with special importance in premature and low weight newborns. In comparison with the milk prepared for babies, it is evident that it is a different milk from that of women, traditionally cow’s milk. In all cases, they are milks that have to meet the requirements of the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and that are periodically revised according to scientific knowledge that allows to make their composition more similar to breast milk.
Milk replenishment
Regarding milk let-down, generally in a cesarean section it can be delayed 24-48 hours because there have been no contractions (scheduled cesarean section) or if the contraction time has been very short (resource cesarean section); however, during my personal experience I have seen many times a rapid let-down in mothers who have already had a cesarean section and adopt a very positive attitude.
Freezing breast milk
Another question that often arises is whether breast milk can be frozen: yes, it can be frozen. But it is necessary to explain to the mother the strict rules of hygiene before the extraction: preferably use freshly expressed milk, keep it in the freezer with a door common to the refrigerator for 2 weeks, in a separate freezer for 3-6 months and in a constant temperature Frost for 6-12 months. This way the milk remains with the same properties when thawed. And if it is not used, it should be discarded within 24 hours.