The wonder of baby's first milk - everything you need to know about colostrum

As a mother-to-be, or as a mother of a premature baby, you have many questions about baby food, especially breast milk. One of the things you definitely need to know is colostrum, or what we commonly call 'first milk'. It is so valuable that doctors call it "liquid gold." Why is that? Let's talk about it simply.

What exactly is Colostrum?

Simply put, colostrum is the first milk that begins to form in your breasts during pregnancy. This is the first and most valuable food your baby receives from you after birth. Sometimes you may notice a few drops of this milk leaking from your breasts even before your baby is born. This is normal.

The color of this colostrum is slightly different from regular milk. It is usually a deep yellow or orange color . It is also slightly thicker. This color and thickness come from its nutritional value. It has earned the nickname "liquid gold" because of its value. Whether you plan to breastfeed your baby or not, giving your baby this first milk is a big investment for the rest of his life.

What specifically does this 'liquid gold' contain?

Colostrum is not just milk. It is a superfood that is packed with nutrients that your baby's body needs. It is very different from regular breast milk.

• High in protein: It contains a very high concentration of protein, which is essential for the baby's growth.
• Low in fat and sugar: This makes it very easy for the baby's stomach to digest.
• Full of Antibodies: This is the most important thing. Colostrum contains a large amount of antibodies that strengthen the baby's immune system and protect it from diseases.

Let's see what the main ingredients are and how they help the baby.

What is the difference between colostrum and regular breast milk?

About 3-5 days after your baby is born, your colostrum will gradually turn into "mature breast milk." We often call this "breast milk coming in." Your breasts will start to feel a little bigger, heavier, and firmer. There are clear differences between these two types of milk.

• Colostrum: Thick, yellow, high in protein and antibodies.
• Mature breast milk: Thin, white, high in fat and sugar (lactose). This provides the baby with the energy needed for growth and weight gain.

In the early days, a baby needs protection from illness and easily digestible food. Colostrum does exactly that. Then, as the baby's stomach gets bigger and needs more energy, mature breast milk starts to be produced to meet that need.

Why is colostrum so valuable for babies?

The benefits of these first few drops of milk for the baby are endless.

• Builds immunity: The baby's immune system is first strengthened by colostrum.
• Protects the intestines: It forms a protective membrane on the inside of the baby's intestines, preventing harmful bacteria from being absorbed into the body.
• Acts as a laxative: This is the baby's first stool, which is called meconium . The faster the black, thick stool passes, the less likely the baby is to develop jaundice.
• Controls blood sugar levels: This helps prevent low blood sugar levels in healthy babies born at term.
• Complete Nutrition: Colostrum contains all the nutrients a newborn baby needs, in amounts that are sufficient for his or her urine and stool.

Will the baby get colostrum? Should I give extra formula?

This is a question that many new mothers ask. Since your milk supply is slow in the early days, you may wonder, "Is my baby not getting enough milk?"

Think about it, a newborn baby's stomach is about the size of a large marble . That means that about a teaspoon of urine can fill that stomach. So the few drops of colostrum you give your baby are more than enough. As your baby's stomach grows, your milk supply will increase to accommodate it.

Therefore , unless advised by a doctor, do not give extra formula milk for any reason in the early days . Doing so will reduce the amount of milk your baby sucks from you, which can also affect your milk production. If your baby is urinating well and maintaining a normal weight, it means that he is getting the amount of milk he needs.

Can I express and collect colostrum before the baby is born?

Yes, in some cases this can be done, it's called "Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting". But this is not something that is good for everyone .

Usually after 37 weeks of pregnancy, doctors advise this in some special cases. For example:

• If you have diabetes.
• If you think the baby will be born with low birth weight.
• If you had problems with breastfeeding in the past.

However, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get his permission before doing this, because sometimes breast stimulation can cause the uterus to contract, and there is a small risk of premature labor.

How do you express colostrum?

Colostrum is thick and difficult to extract with a breast pump. The best way to do this is by hand expressing.

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Hold the breast in a "C" shape. Place your thumb on top and the other four fingers underneath.

3. Gently push the dark area around the nipple (areola) inward. Do not move your fingers.

4. Do this rhythmically several times. After a while, you will see drops of yellow condensed milk coming out.

5. Add these drops of milk to a sterilized syringe or small cup.

Collected colostrum can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and in the deep freezer for up to 3 months.

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