If you are a mother who is expecting to breastfeed your baby, colostrum will be the first food your baby will eat. You may have heard this name before. Doctors also call it "liquid gold." It is so valuable and nutritious for a little baby. So let's talk about it all today.
What is Colostrum?
Simply put, this is the first type of milk your breasts produce after you have a baby. But it's a little different from the regular breast milk we know.
- Appearance: Colostrum is often a golden yellow color, similar to the color of an egg yolk. Sometimes it can be white, creamy, or even colorless. It is also slightly thicker than regular breast milk.
- Composition: Colostrum is like a nutritional bomb filled with protein, vitamins, and antibodies . A newborn baby's immune system is still weak. So, this colostrum is the first shield that protects the baby from the germs in the environment.
Antibodies (immunoglobulin A) produced by white blood cells (leukocytes) in colostrum enter the baby's body and begin to fight germs, much like the first vaccine given to the baby.
And because it's low in fat and sugar, it's easy for a baby's little stomach to digest. When a baby is born, their stomach is the size of a small marble. So even a few teaspoons of this thick, nutrient-rich colostrum are more than enough for a baby.
When does colostrum start to be produced?
You may be surprised to hear this. Your body starts making colostrum when you are about 12-18 weeks pregnant . Some mothers may notice a little bit of this milk leaking from their breasts during the second trimester. This is very normal, and it doesn't mean that the baby is coming soon.
After you have your baby, as the placenta leaves the uterus, your body's progesterone levels drop suddenly. This is what signals your breasts to start producing milk.
You can start breastfeeding your baby within the first 24 hours of birth. Even if it comes out in trickles at first, that amount is enough for your baby. If your baby has difficulty sucking, you can express this precious milk by hand. Because it is thick, expressing by hand may be more effective than using a breast pump.
If you have any concerns, keep an eye on things like whether your baby is getting enough milk, how many times a day he or she is urinating , and whether he or she is losing weight. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor .
Is it good to collect colostrum before having a baby?
Yes, in some special cases, collecting and storing colostrum before the baby is born (colostrum harvesting) can be very beneficial. However, you should definitely consult your doctor before doing this.
| When is it beneficial to collect colostrum early? | |
|---|---|
| Baby-related reasons | |
| If you are expecting a baby that is overweight or underweight | Because there is a possibility of facing conditions such as low blood sugar levels after birth. |
| Twins or triplets | Helps provide enough milk for all children. |
| If you are going to be born with a cleft lip/palate | Because it can be difficult to breastfeed. |
| If you are expected to be born with Down syndrome or a heart condition | These children may need additional nutritional support in the early days. |
| Reasons related to the mother | |
| If you are taking medications such as beta-blockers for conditions such as high blood pressure | Some medications can affect breast milk production. |
| If you have gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during pregnancy | Helps keep the baby's blood sugar levels stable. |
| If you have diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a high body mass index (BMI) | These conditions can delay breast milk production. |
| If you are going to have a planned cesarean section (C-section) | Because it may take some time to start breastfeeding after surgery. |
If you have no health problems, you can start collecting colostrum after 37 weeks with your doctor's approval. However, if you experience any abdominal pain or contractions while doing this, you should stop immediately.
How to store collected colostrum?
This is something that needs to be done very carefully.
1. Cleanliness : Syringes (smaller than 5 ml) or small containers used must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
2. Storage: Colostrum collected throughout the day can be stored in the fridge. However, it should definitely be placed in the freezer at the end of the day. Place the syringe in a freezer bag and seal it well.
3. Labeling: Be sure to label the date and time of collection, as these can only be kept for about 4-6 months .
4. Taking to the hospital: When taking to the hospital, put it in a cooler with an ice pack. If necessary, thaw it by placing it in a bowl of lukewarm water. Since the thawed colostrum must be used within 24 hours, do not thaw a large amount at once.
The three stages of colostrum becoming breast milk
Breast milk production occurs in three main stages. It is very important for you to know this.
| Opportunity | Time | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Colostrum | The first 2-5 days after having a baby | Golden yellow in color. Thick. Rich in antibodies and nutrients. |
| 2. Transitional Milk | 5 days to 2 weeks | A mixture of colostrum and mature milk. Milk production increases. Breasts may feel full and tight. |
| 3. Mature Milk | After 4-6 weeks | It is more liquid and white in color. It has more fat and sugar content. It provides the necessary nutrition for the baby's growth. |
Benefits of colostrum for the baby
- Natural immunity: The baby receives the mother's antibodies, which protect the baby from germs in the environment.
- Nutritional value: It contains all the nutrients necessary for the baby's growth.
- Digestive system health: Easy on the baby's stomach. Forms a protective coating in the intestines, preventing germs from entering.
- A natural laxative: Helps expel the baby's first stool (meconium), which reduces the risk of jaundice in the baby.
- Body regulation: Helps regulate things like the baby's body temperature, metabolism, and blood sugar levels in a way that is consistent with the outside world.
- Helps with growth: Contains growth factors necessary for the growth of premature babies.
Take-Home Message
- Colostrum is the first food a baby receives, as well as the first medicine that provides immunity. That's why it's also called "liquid gold."
- Even a few drops of colostrum produced in the first few days after birth are more than enough for a baby's tiny stomach.
- Upon medical advice, in some special cases, colostrum can be collected and stored safely before the baby is born.
- If you have any concerns or doubts about breastfeeding or your baby's health, talk openly with your doctor.
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