If you look in The Breastfeeding Atlas (and you can see this even more
clearly on the CD of the Atlas) there is a series of pictures in the module:
Appearances of Human milk that Sharron Humenick, PhD contributed.  They
reference a study she published called:  "The Maturation Index of Colostrum
and Milk (MICAM)".  The MICAM is a screening tool of visual observation of
breastmilk maturation using filter paper chromatography.

Research has shown that the rate of human milk maturation is related to
breastfeeding initiation and frequency and duration of feeds.  Early
maturation has been shown to be predictive of increased infant weight gain,
weeks of sustained bfg, and maternal bfg satisfaction.  Dr. Humenick
developed an easy way to determine milk maturation using Whatman #1 filer
paper, a large canning jar ring, and an eyedropper.  The pattern formed by
the milk  dropped on the filter paper is indicative of the level of milk
maturation.  The primary use of the MICAM is to demonstrate to their mothers
that their milk is maturing as expected. (see our text or her article for
more details).

 In the book/CD, Figs 41-45 shows milk which has dried on the filter paper
which, in Type 1, "dries hard and shiny and ranges from bright to very pale
yellow".  Type 2 is"distinguished by a thin, translucent outer ring" etc.
Each stage of milk dries with a characteristic pattern.

I think that this is a study that allows us to say:  Yes, human milk does
stain, but it will stain differently according to the stage of maturity of
the milk.

Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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