Composition of early human milk (e-milq) the gambia - the ongoing milq (mothers, infants and lactation quality) study has successfully collected colostrum (at 2-3 days postpartum) and then breast milk…

Composition of early human milk (e-milq) the gambia - the ongoing milq (mothers, infants and lactation quality) study has successfully collected colostrum (at 2-3 days postpartum) and then breast milk from 1 month through 8.5 months postpartum from 1000 women in 4 countries. Milk samples were not collected during the first month postpartum because of investigator's concern that participant burden would result in unacceptable rates of refusal to enroll. However, sample collection from 1 to 8.5 months has proceeded exceptionally well with fewer drop-outs than expected at all four sites. The investigators have therefore received funds to conduct this follow-on, separate study of milk composition and volume between birth and 1 month postpartum. Having this information on milk composition and volume during the first month will enable US to: * complete the otherwise continuous composition curves from 1 to 8.5 months with data from birth through 1 month. * measure the average 14-day milk volume for each participant on a rolling basis between 2 to 3 days postpartum and 31 days postpartum. * determine young infants' nutrient intakes from milk. * detect stronger associations between maternal status and milk concentrations. * obtain reference values for nutrients, and data on metabolites, hmos and bioactive proteins in early milk.