The pH of breast milk typically ranges between 7.0 and 7.1 during the first three months after delivery and gradually increases to 7.4 by 10 months postpartum.
This change in pH is linked to variations in the concentration of citrate in breast milk throughout lactation, but not to changes in lactose concentration.
The pH of breast milk can also be influenced by factors like:
- Fortification status: Whether the milk is fortified or not.
- Postpartum day: The number of days since delivery.
- Maternal vegetable/fiber intake: The amount of vegetables and fiber consumed by the mother.
