Breastfeeding Guide: How to support your baby’s growth

As a new mother, you want the best for your child, especially as they grow and develop. You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding is the gold standard of newborn nutrition, but have you ever wondered what makes breast milk so powerful?

Breast milk is a superfood that adapts to your baby’s needs at every stage.¹ It provides an optimal combination of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) that are the primary source of energy for newborn growth.²The initial milk, known as colostrum (a thin yellow fluid rich in proteins and antibodies) is significant in protecting your baby against infections. It is the first natural vaccine that makes your little one stronger, don’t miss it!³

Let’s explore the science behind how the growth promoting nutrients in breastmilk work their magic.

Proteins in breastmilk: The key building block of growth

The most important nutrient for growth is protein. Breast milk predominantly has protein, which is easy for your baby's body to digest; these proteins are the building blocks of the growth and development of your child. Apart from energy provision, they will facilitate muscle growth, enhance immunity, and foster overall growth development.⁴ Breast milk proteins provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, support gut health, strengthen the immune system, and even aid brain development.⁵  Also, when milk proteins break down, they release beneficial compounds that promote good bacteria essential for gut health.⁶

Did you know? The protein content in breast milk naturally changes over time to keep up with your baby’s growing needs:⁷

• At birth: Packed with protein (about 14–16 g/L), to fuel your little one’s rapid growth and development
• By 3–4 months: the protein level adjusts (8–10 g/L), to match your baby’s developing digestive system- because growing up is a process
• After 6 months: with solid foods entering the mix, breast milk fine-tunes itself again (7–8 g/L), ensuring your baby gets just the right balance of nutrients.

Beyond Proteins: Other growth-boosting nutrients in breast milk

Carbohydrates: Fuel for energy  

Carbohydrate compounds present in the form of lactose are the major source of energy for the baby. Lactose also called as the natural sugar present in milk and other dairy products. It helps in absorbing calcium, iron, and zinc as vital minerals. It also acts as a food for the good bacteria to foster. It provides a unique composition that meets the high-energy needs of infants, making it ideal for supporting their rapid growth and development during this critical phase.⁸ 

Fats: Energy sources for body and brain development

The fats in breast milk provide nearly 50% of the energy needed by babies in the first six months. It is particularly important for the growing brain cells and their development and overall for health.⁹ Good fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, support cognitive development in babies and enable the brain to mature. These essential fats ensure that your little one's body and mind grow in harmony.¹⁰

You can discover more fascinating insights about the nutrients in breast milk from the figure.

By now you know nature’s perfect recipe for a strong start: Breast Milk

From proteins that build and protect, to carbohydrates that fuel energy, and fats that nurture brain growth—breast milk is the ultimate superfood designed just for your baby. Other than the macronutrients, breastmilk provides hormones, biological compounds necessary for immunity, hormonal growth and development. Thus, every drop is packed with love and nature’s most advanced science, giving your little one the best foundation for a healthy, happy future. So, embrace this incredible journey, knowing that with every feed, you're giving your baby the best start in life!