When a mother feeds her baby, she naturally produces breast milk that is nourishing and life-sustaining. But despite being so vital, it can also be messy and sticky.
One of the main reasons that is breast milk sticky is that it has large fat molecules that bind to saliva and other elements in your baby’s mouth. This is important because it helps to keep the milk from flowing off the nipple and into your baby’s chin and cheeks, where it can potentially become dirty or cause discomfort. Additionally, the fat in breast milk also functions as an effective barrier against germs and other contaminants that could make your baby sick.
The Surprising Benefits of Breast Milk’s Sticky Texture for Babies and Moms
Another factor that makes breast milk sticky is the fact that it contains a protein called alpha-lactalbumin, which acts as an emulsifier, mixing fats and water together. This helps to keep the milk from separating and sticking to your baby’s chin, while also making it easier for them to swallow. Breast milk also has a variety of other proteins and fatty acids that contribute to its stickiness, including oleic acid, sphingomyelin, and lecithin.
The first milk your body produces after delivery is colostrum, which is thick and sticky and may be yellow or orange in color. It is incredibly rich in proteins, salts, and antibodies, which gives it its signature immune-boosting properties. However, colostrum is low in sugar, fat, and calories.