2-4 Weeks after Giving Birth:
DHA levels change naturally in breast milk, especially in the first few days after delivery (called “colostrum”) to the later stages (“mature milk”). We are aiming to measure the proportion of DHA in mature milk.
First Feeding Session of the Day:
As all new mothers know, the term “day” should be used loosely. Aim to collect a sample during the “first” feeding of the day, before you eat breakfast or take a supplement. The same timing goes for pumped milk.
Anytime during the Feed:
Because we are measuring a percent of fat instead of a total amount of fat, the Mother’s Milk DHA level is not affected by the changes in fat content between the watery fore milk or the creamy hind milk.