FAQs

Breast Milk Nutrition Screening Kit

What do the breast milk test strips measure?

The strips provide a nutritional analysis of your milk and actionable advice to optimize your child's nutrition by testing the amount of zinc, calcium, and protein in breast milk. These parameters are important to measure since they provide infants with a maintained immune system, rapid cell growth, strong muscles and bones, and healthy development.

Why is protein important in breast milk?

There are two types of proteins found in breast milk; whey and casein. These proteins have great infection-protection properties. Proteins are important for immune and neurological function and building blocks for tissues, muscles, and bones. If your levels are low, talk to your doctor about increasing the protein in your diet.

Why is calcium important in breast milk?

Calcium is vital for an infant's bone development, cells, muscle and nerve function, and blood clotting. Some research shows that a deficient calcium intake can contribute to developing rickets in infants and children. Breast milk may be impaired if insufficient calcium is available during lactation, affecting its composition and possibly volume.

Why is zinc important in breast milk?

Zinc is a micro-nutrient that is critical to normal growth and development of the infant. The zinc in breast milk is well absorbed and utilized or highly bioavailable to infants. Zinc levels usually drop 4–6 months postpartum.

Are the tests easy to administer?

The test strips are easy to use simply by directly comparing the test strip with the color blocks printed on the label. No calculations, no laboratory instruments, and no mailing samples are required. You can do it right at home.

Do these strips only work for breast milk?

Breast milk nutrient test strips measure quantities of zinc, calcium, and protein in both human breast milk and cow's milk, not formula.

How often should I test my breast milk?

A woman's breast milk composition changes rapidly during all stages of breastfeeding. It is recommended that you test your breast milk once or twice a month to ensure that your levels stay optimal.

What should I eat while breastfeeding for optimal breast milk nutrition?

A mother's nutrition is just as important while breastfeeding as it was during her pregnancy. Key breast milk vitamins are primarily affected by the current maternal diet. These can be improved with maternal nutrition or vitamin supplements. A well-balanced meal plan that includes protein-rich foods, such as lean meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, and seafood low in mercury, plus whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is recommended. It is also recommended that nursing moms increase their calorie consumption by 300 to 500 calories per day.