Breastfeeding Guide: Protein – Too Much of a Good Thing?

Have you ever wondered about the magic of breast milk? Well, here you go. Breast milk is nature's way of providing exactly what your baby needs at every stage. It adjusts to suit your baby's growth just like a well-timed recipe-with an appropriate amount of protein as your baby grows and just enough to fill his little tummy and make him get big fast. 

Proteins in breastmilk- The powerhouse of growth

Breast milk proteins are essential for your baby’s growth and development. They help build strong muscles, support the immune system, and aid in digestion, making it easier for your baby to absorb important nutrients.⁽²⁾  Breast milk contains two main types of protein: whey and casein. Since whey proteins are easier to digest, breast milk is naturally whey-dominant, especially in the early days. The whey-to-casein ratio starts at 90:10 in colostrum—the first milk packed with concentrated nutrients—and gradually shifts to 60:40 in mature milk, ensuring your baby gets exactly what they need at every stage of growth.⁽³⁾  

As mothers, we all want the best for our little ones. But there would be unfortunate situations and conditions, where you are not able to breastfeed despite wanting to.  This often leads to the option of giving animal milk. We often feel that it could be suitable. At times, family members advice diluting it and giving it to the baby as we all grew up having it and it is packed with protein. 

But the truth is different than this. Nature is very advanced in that sense. Nature has provided milk which is very specific to the need of that species, for. e.g. buffalo or cow milk has nutrition which is well suited and adapted to the growth need of their calves. But for humans, providing animal milk is more harmful than providing benefits esp. till 1 year of age.

Why animal milk is not suitable for babies? 

While animal milk is great for grown-ups, it’s too harsh for delicate baby tummies. It is because of multiple aspects, one of which is overall levels of protein is much higher than that needed for a baby. Also, the form of protein is different than that present in breastmilk. It has more casein than whey protein with casein-to-whey being 80:20 which is reverse of breastmilk. This casein form of protein is hard, curdlike substance, which is difficult for a baby’s small, still developing tummy to digest. The overall high level of protein puts a strain on still developing kidneys.

Another aspect is that the animal milk has proportions of nutrients which are imbalanced for human babies. It has very less iron, more sodium and potassium. Thus, babies fed animal milk are also at a higher risk of iron deficiency, digestive tract irritation, dehydration, and blood loss through the stomach lining—serious concerns for any parent.^(4), (5)

Too much protein? Too much problems! 

Protein level which are not adapted to the age of the baby can lead to its overdose and can have many side-effects:

Overloaded tummies, overworked kidneys

Excessive protein is too much for your baby's tiny stomach; thus, it can irritate and dehydrate the baby since the kidneys cannot cope with the load.⁽⁶⁾

Excessive weight gain

Too much protein gets stored rapidly as fat, increasing the risk of obesity in later life.⁽⁷⁾

Cow milk protein allergy

Animal milk, especially, cow milk has a type of protein which can trigger milk protein allergy in babies, resulting in skin rashes, vomiting, repeated diarrhea, blood in stools etc.

Tummy issues

High protein can upset the gut microbiome, causing digestive problems and reducing immunity.⁽¹⁾

Breast Milk: The Perfect Balance 

Unlike animal milk, breast milk contains just the right amount of protein to support steady, healthy growth. The composition of breast milk naturally adapts to your baby’s changing needs, ensuring they get only what they need and when they need it.

For the first six months, providing only breastmilk is sufficient for the needs of a baby. Breast milk is the gold standard—nourishing, protective, and perfectly designed for your baby’s development. 

In situations where breastfeeding is not possible, please talk to your doctor for advice on correct alternatives, especially in the first year of life.