Mother’s Milk

DHA Test

$49.95

DHA Test

$49.95

The Mother’s Milk DHA Test measures the amount of omega-3 DHA in breast milk. Studies show breast milk is the best way to deliver DHA to your growing baby. View sample report >

Quantity

Why Measure DHA Levels in Breast Milk?

Omega-3 DHA is an important component of a baby’s developing brain and it is present in breast milk. DHA levels in breast milk, like blood, go up and down mainly based on how much you eat. We recommend Mother’s Milk DHA levels of at least 0.32% to meet the needs of the infant’s growing brain. 

Click here to view a full Mother’s Milk DHA report >

Mother’s Milk DHA levels are related to:

Proper growth and development of your baby
Postpartum health
Your baby’s brain and eye health
When Should You Measure DHA Levels in Breast Milk?

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.

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.

How Often Should You Measure DHA Levels in Breast Milk?

If your DHA levels are optimal with your first testing, and you maintain the same health status, diet, and/or supplement regimen, then once is enough. However, if your levels are low, and you decide to increase your intake of DHA (via fish or fish oil pills), then you can take the test as soon as two weeks after your previous test. (It only takes two weeks to change the levels of DHA in your breast milk!)

Calculate Your Mother's Milk DHA Requirements

How much DHA do I need to reach a desirable milk level?

Mother's Milk DHA

Amount of DHA needed to Reach Your Target Blood Level:

0 mg

This recommendation is meant to be a guide for how much DHA you may need in your diet to reach your Mother’s Milk DHA target, based on research by Makrides et al. 1996. Up to 3,000 mg per day of EPA and DHA is considered safe and is set as the upper limit in the calculator. We recommend you test at 1 month postpartum and again in 2-4 weeks to see if your diet changes are working for you. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet. Learn more...

Optimize Your DHA levels in 3 Easy Steps
1 Measure
Measure
You won’t know if your Breast Milk DHA levels are optimal just because you eat fish or take supplements — it must be measured.
1
2 Modify
Modify
Once you know your Breast Milk DHA level, it can be optimized with simple dietary changes.
2
Monitor
3 Monitor
Testing your Breast Milk DHA level every 2-4 weeks will ensure that your levels stay optimal.
3
Customer Testimonials
Studies to show the Importance of DHA Levels Postpartum
How It Works
Order: Choose the test service you would like. The sample collection kit typically arrives in 3 to 5 days.
Collect Sample: Follow the simple kit instructions to collect your sample from the comfort of home. Once you collect your sample, mail it back to our lab with the pre-paid envelope.
Get Results: In 2-4 weeks you will receive an email letting you know your personalized results are ready.
How It Works
Order: Choose the test service you would like. The sample collection kit typically arrives in 3 to 5 days.
Collect Sample: Follow the simple kit instructions to collect your sample from the comfort of home. Once you collect your sample, mail it back to our lab with the pre-paid envelope.
Get Results: In 2-4 weeks you will receive an email letting you know your personalized results are ready.
Your results.
Supported by science.
  • Actionable:
    Fatty acid levels start changing as soon as you change your diet and lifestyle and stabilize in 2-3 weeks.
  • Personalized:
    Personalized recommendations based off your test results.
  • Certified:
    Samples are processed in our CLIA certified laboratory.
  • Validated:
    The same validated and standardized sample processing methodology used in over 200 research studies.
  • Compare:
    Reference ranges show you how you compare to your peers.
Keep Your DHA Levels Healthy While Breastfeeding
Keep in Mind

It is important to remember that while dose matters, your DHA level matters most. Once you have established a dose that gets you to the .32% range or higher, then you need to maintain that dose or dietary regimen to keep your level in the optimal range.

Why are omega-3s important for infants?
DHA, the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and retina, is a particularly important factor in the first two years of a child’s development. DHA assists in brain and eye development and function, and supports healthy heart function.
Does it matter if I test my Mother’s Milk DHA from fresh or frozen breast milk?
No, either will work.
Do I have to take my breast milk sample at a certain point during the feeding?
No, you may take it at any point during the feeding. Although breast milk has a higher fat content at the end of the feeding, the percentage of DHA remains the same.
When should I start measuring the DHA in my breast milk?
It’s best to measure your breast milk DHA levels about 2-4 weeks after delivering your baby. DHA levels change naturally from the breast milk in the first few days after delivery (called “colostrum”) to the later breast milk (“mature milk”). Measuring your DHA breast milk level within the first month of breast feeding will allow you to make the necessary changes to your diet if you have low DHA levels.
How often should I measure the DHA in my breast milk?
If your DHA levels are optimum with your first testing, and you maintain the same health status, diet, and/or supplements, then once is enough. However, if your levels are low, and you decide to increase your intake of DHA (via fish or fish oil pills), then you can take the test as soon as two weeks after your previous test. (It only takes two weeks to change the levels of DHA in your breast milk!
Still have questions?
Visit our FAQ section for more information and to learn more.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This test is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any disease. This site does not offer medical advice, and nothing contained herein is intended to establish a doctor/patient relationship. OmegaQuant, LLC is regulated under the Clinical Laboratory improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and is qualified to perform high complexity clinical testing. The performance characteristics of this test were determined by OmegaQuant, LLC. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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