If you are a mother-to-be or a new mother, this story will be very important to you. Today we are going to talk about the first milk a baby receives, called 'colostrum'. Some people call it 'liquid gold', and it is just as valuable.
What is Colostrum? Let's find out simply!
Simply put, colostrum is the first milk produced by your body, namely your breasts, when you are pregnant. It helps a lot in building your baby's immune system. Think of it like the baby's first protective shield.
If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, this is the first milk your baby will receive. If you are not comfortable breastfeeding or your baby is having difficulty latching on, you can hand-express this colostrum and give it to your baby. It is full of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies , which protect your baby from diseases. That is why it is called 'liquid gold' . Its color is also very beautiful, resembling gold.
What does colostrum actually contain?
If you look at what's in colostrum, it 's high in protein, but low in fat and sugar . So it's very easy for the baby to digest. It's not heavy on a small stomach.
It is also full of white blood cells . These cells make antibodies. These antibodies strengthen the baby's immune system and protect the baby from various infections. Think of it like giving the baby a small army of soldiers.
Colostrum is a very concentrated and nutritious substance. Even a very small amount provides a lot of nutrition to the baby . So, a teaspoon or two of this is enough for the baby's small stomach.
What are the special nutrients in colostrum?
When it comes to the nutrients in colostrum, it is truly packed with valuable nutrients that are unmatched by anything else. These are the first steps in laying the foundation for a baby's healthy existence.
There are mainly these:
- Immunoglobulin A : This is a type of antibody that protects against infections, especially in the intestines and respiratory system.
- Lactoferrin : This is a protein that helps prevent infections. It also helps the body absorb iron.
- Leukocytes : These are what we have already mentioned, white blood cells. These fight germs directly.
- Epidermal growth factor : This is a protein that stimulates cell growth, especially in the intestines.
The golden color of colostrum comes from antioxidants called carotenoids and vitamin A. Vitamin A is very important for a baby's vision, skin, and immune system. Not only that, but colostrum is also rich in things like magnesium , which helps a baby's heart and bones, and copper and zinc, which help the immune system.
What is the difference between colostrum and regular breast milk?
Now you may be wondering, 'So what's the difference between colostrum and regular breast milk?' Colostrum is the first, nutritious milk your breasts produce when you're pregnant. It turns into transitional breast milk a few days after your baby is born. However, a small amount of colostrum will remain in your breast milk for a few weeks.
There are several clear differences between the two:
- Colostrum is full of immunoglobulins , or antibodies. These strengthen the baby's immune system and protect it from disease. It contains much more than regular breast milk.
- Colostrum has about twice the protein content .
- Colostrum contains about four times more zinc .
- Colostrum is low in fat and sugar , so it is very easy for the baby to digest.
- Colostrum is thicker and more yellow in color . Normal breast milk seems a bit watery.
What are the different stages of breast milk?
There are three main stages of breast milk. This means that breast milk does not develop all at once, but changes gradually to suit the baby's needs.
Those three stages are:
- Colostrum : This is your first milk. It is present from two to four, maybe five, days after birth.
- Transitional milk : This begins about four days after the baby is born. This type of milk is present for about two weeks. It gradually loses the properties of colostrum and increases the properties of mature milk.
- Mature milk : This type of milk is produced from about 14 days after birth until you stop breastfeeding. It also has two parts, the liquid milk that comes first (foremilk) and the thick milk that comes later (hindmilk).
When does colostrum turn into breast milk?
Usually, after about three to four days, the colostrum gradually turns into transitional milk . We often say that this is what we call 'milk coming in', and that's what it is. Your breasts may feel a little tight, heavy, and full at this point. This means that your milk supply is increasing.
Your baby's stomach is now a little bigger, so he can drink more milk at a feeding. Once your milk supply is established, this transitional milk will become mature milk .
What causes colostrum to become breast milk?
This is a very strange thing to happen. When you are pregnant, hormones produced by the placenta help to make colostrum. After the baby is born, that is, when the placenta separates from the uterus, the hormone progesterone suddenly decreases. That decrease in progesterone is what gives the signal to the breasts to 'make breast milk now'. At the same time, the hormone prolactin starts to be produced more, which is what mainly helps in milk production.
What is the importance of colostrum?
The main function of your breasts, or mammary glands, is to make milk for your baby. Colostrum is not only the first milk your baby drinks after birth. It is full of nutrients and antibodies that help fight infections and protect your baby .
The immunity it provides is very special, and it is only obtained from colostrum. Since the baby needs very small amounts of colostrum, it also helps him get used to things like breathing and swallowing while sucking milk.
What are the benefits of colostrum for the baby?
Colostrum not only builds the baby's immune system, but also provides concentrated nutrition. Here are some of its benefits:
- It helps strengthen the baby's immune system and increases resistance to disease.
- It forms a protective layer on the inside of the intestines, helping to create a healthy gut . This reduces the absorption of harmful bacteria into the body. This is also called "sealing the gut."
- It provides the best nutrition for a newborn baby. It provides everything it needs in that small amount.
- It has a laxative effect . Therefore, it helps the baby's first stool, called meconium , pass more easily. This meconium is the stuff that the baby has accumulated while in the womb. When it passes quickly, it also reduces the risk of jaundice .
- It is very easy to digest and does not burden the baby's immature digestive system.
- Helps prevent low blood sugar in babies born at term.
Why is colostrum good for newborn babies?
Colostrum contains all the nutrients a newborn baby needs for the first few days of life. It is also full of nutrients and vitamins that help strengthen the baby's immune system.
Colostrum flows very smoothly from your nipples. This makes it easier for your baby to learn to nurse. Breastfeeding takes practice. It requires the baby to not only suck and swallow, but also to breathe at the same time. The smooth flow of colostrum helps the baby develop that coordination.
Does leaking colostrum mean that the baby is close to being born?
No, that's not true. Just because your breasts are leaking colostrum doesn't mean you're close to having a baby. It's normal to leak colostrum during pregnancy. Some people may notice this as early as the second trimester . Others may not notice any leakage, but they may notice a thick layer of colostrum on their nipples. If you're also leaking colostrum, you can use breast pads to prevent your clothes from getting wet.
Can I express colostrum during pregnancy?
Colostrum can be expressed around week 37 of pregnancy. This can be helpful for some people. Hand expressing is when you gently press your breasts with your hands to get the milk out.
However, there are some risks to pumping colostrum before the baby is born. Sometimes there is a risk of contractions or premature labor . However, it can be beneficial for those who are at risk for premature birth , have a low milk supply, or have certain health conditions such as diabetes mellitus . This allows you to save some colostrum to give after the baby is born.
The most important thing is to talk to your healthcare provider before you try to remove colostrum from your breasts. If you are leaking colostrum, it may be safer to collect it and save it for after your baby is born.
Can I get colostrum from a pump?
Colostrum is a thick substance, so it can be difficult to pump it with a breast pump . Many people prefer, and even prefer, to use their hands to express colostrum. In general, you can get more colostrum when expressing by hand than with a pump, because it is thicker and less is captured by the pump.
What does colostrum look like?
Colostrum is often a deep, dark yellow or orange color , similar to egg yolk. This is because it is high in beta carotene . However, it can sometimes appear white, clear, or creamy.
It is thicker than regular breast milk (or cow's milk). But the consistency can vary from person to person. Colostrum is a bit sticky, and sometimes there may be a tiny bit of blood mixed in with the milk (this is normal) , especially in the early days. Don't worry about it, but if it continues, tell your doctor.
How do I know if my body is producing colostrum?
Your body starts producing colostrum between weeks 12 and 18 of pregnancy. Most people produce about a tablespoon to an ounce of colostrum within the first 24 hours after birth. This amount increases steadily until transitional milk comes in around the third or fourth day.
Most of the time, you won't know for sure if you're producing colostrum or not. But it's very rare for your baby to not produce colostrum at all . You can tell if your baby is getting colostrum by their weight gain and frequent wetting of diapers (about 6-8 times a day).
How long does colostrum last?
Your body produces colostrum for about five days after your baby is born. After that, it turns into transitional milk, and then into mature milk after about 14 days. But the characteristics of colostrum remain in your breast milk for about six weeks.
What happens if colostrum is not produced?
Most people produce some colostrum anyway. It is very rare to not produce it at all. It is normal to feel like nothing is coming out of your breasts at times and to wonder if your baby is getting it. But remember, even a few teaspoons of colostrum are enough to fill your baby's little stomach. If you have any doubts about this, seek medical advice immediately.
How to store expressed colostrum?
If you and your healthcare provider decide that it is safe to store colostrum, there are a few rules to follow.
- First, you need to store the colostrum in a sterile container or syringe . Small syringes are best for this because they are smaller in size.
- You can keep this in your refrigerator for about two to three days . After three days, you should definitely put it in the freezer .
- Colostrum can be stored in the freezer for at least three months . It can be stored even longer, but you need to be careful about the quality.
How much colostrum does a newborn baby need?
A newborn baby's stomach is the size of a small marble. That's about 5-7 milliliters. They need about an ounce (about 30 milliliters) of colostrum per day. That's about a teaspoon per feeding (you can expect to feed your baby about 8-10 times a day for the first few days).
As your baby's belly grows, the amount of colostrum (and later transitional milk) he needs will also increase day by day. As your body starts to make regular breast milk, your milk production will also increase to meet your baby's needs.
Should I give extra powdered milk (supplement)?
Usually, you don't need to give extra milk . Even a small amount of colostrum will fill your baby's stomach. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if your baby is gaining weight properly. If your baby is wet enough and seems happy, you probably don't need extra milk. Don't rush into giving formula milk unless your doctor recommends it.
Is it okay to squeeze out colostrum?
Yes, it is usually okay to express colostrum after you are full-term (37 weeks of pregnancy) . However, if you are thinking about doing this before your baby is born, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
If you want to hand express colostrum for your newborn, follow these steps:
- Hold your breast in a 'C' shape with your hand. Four fingers should be under the breast and your thumb should be above the nipple.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the areola and the nipple itself.
- Do this several times, in a rhythm. Press firmly, but don't move your fingers along the skin.
- If the colostrum doesn't come out, try moving your fingers to a different position. Maybe a little further back.
- Colostrum will start to flow in a few minutes. It is thick and comes out in drops.
- You can do this several times a day. 5-10 minutes on one breast, then do the same on the other breast.
Please remember, there are risks to pumping colostrum before the baby is born. Some people may experience premature labor or abdominal pain. So be sure to talk to your doctor before pumping colostrum.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
So, colostrum is the first milk produced by your breasts. It is a precious gift to your baby, packed with nutrients, antibodies, and antioxidants. Getting started with breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult, and you may need help. So don't be shy about asking your healthcare provider, nurse, or lactation consultant for help.
Breastfeeding early, often, is the best way to give your baby the enormous benefits of colostrum. Expressing colostrum by hand and giving it to your baby with a syringe is another option, especially if your baby has difficulty sucking. If you want to give your baby colostrum, ask your healthcare team for help. This will give your baby the best start in life!
` Colostrum, breast milk, newborn, nutrition, immunity, pregnancy, liquid gold
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