what Is Colostrum?

Colostrum (first milk) is the first form of breast milk secreted by the mammary glands after delivery. It is nutrient-rich in antibodies and antioxidants to strengthen the baby’s immune system. It changes to breast milk within two to four days after the baby is born and is thicker and yellower than traditional breast milk.

What is colostrum?

The first milk is a liquid secreted by mammals that have just given birth before they begin to produce mature milk.

It is an important source of nutrients that help babies grow and fight disease and can also be consumed at other stages of life (usually as a supplement). Although all mammals produce colostrum, supplements are usually made from the colostrum of cows. This supplement is known as bovine colostrum.

Cow colostrum is similar to human colostrum, rich in vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, disease-fighting proteins, growth hormones, and digestive enzymes.

Colostrum is rich in immunological components such as secretory IgA, lactoferrin, leukocytes, and growth factors such as the epidermal growth factor. It also contains a relatively low concentration of lactose. Levels of sodium, chloride, and magnesium are higher, and levels of potassium and calcium in the first milk are lower than in the next milk.

When does first milk start to produce?

It varies from woman to woman. Some mothers start producing it in the first trimester. Women usually start producing it in the third trimester.

If you are late in your pregnancy, you can squeeze your breasts and see some liquid gold coming out of your nipple. But if you have not seen the liquid yet, do not worry. A real hormonal change signals the breasts to start breastfeeding and produce first milk only after the placenta is expelled.

Nutrients

Colostrum is rich in nutrients that protect and nourish the baby. These nutrients include:

• Lactoferrin (a protein that helps prevent infection)
• Immunoglobulin A (an antibody)
• Leukocytes (white blood cells)
• Epidermal growth factor (a protein that stimulates cell growth (

Breast milk gets its color from carotenoids and vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in a baby’s vision, skin, and immune system. The first milk is rich in magnesium, which supports the baby’s heart and bones; it also contains copper and zinc, supporting the body’s immunity.

Health Benefits

Colostrum is very concentrated, full of protein and dense nutrients. It is also low in fat, easy to digest, and full of components that stimulate the child’s development in the best possible way and plays an important role in building the immune system. It appears thicker and yellower than mature milk. Its composition is also different because it is designed for the baby’s specific needs.

Fights infection

Up to two-thirds of colostrum cells are white blood cells that protect against infections and help the baby fight infections independently. The child should then be prepared for new challenges. The white blood cells in the first milk produce antibodies that can kill bacteria or viruses. These antibodies are especially effective against stomach upsets and diarrhea.

Supports the immune system and gut function

This milk is rich in vital antibodies called sIgA, which protect the baby against disease. These sIgAs are concentrated in the baby’s intestines and respiratory system lining and protect the baby from diseases the mother has already experienced.  It is also rich in other immune components and growth factors that stimulate the growth of protective mucous membranes in the baby’s gut.

Helps prevent jaundice

In addition to protecting against abdominal discomfort, first, milk acts as a laxative and causes the baby to defecate frequently. This helps the baby’s gut empty of anything swallowed during pregnancy in the form of dark, sticky stool meconium.

Frequent bowel movements also reduce the risk of jaundice in the baby. A baby is born with high levels of red blood cells. When these cells break down, his liver helps process them, creating a byproduct called bilirubin. If a child’s liver is not developed enough to process bilirubin, it will build up in his system and cause jaundice.

Vitamins and minerals

The carotenoids and vitamin A in breast milk are the ones that make it yellow. Vitamin A is important for a baby’s vision and for keeping his skin and immune system healthy. Babies are usually born with low levels of vitamin A, so colostrum helps compensate for the deficiency.

This milk is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, which supports the baby’s heart and bones. Copper and zinc help boost his immune system. Zinc also helps the brain grow. There is about four times more zinc in first milk than in mature milk to support a baby’s rapidly growing brain.

Repairs the body

The first milk is the only known natural source of two important growth factors, alpha and beta, and insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2. These unique ingredients help the baby’s small body grow properly and help repair it.

What’s the difference between colostrum and breast milk?

Colostrum is the first nutrient-rich milk produced by the breasts during pregnancy. It is transferred to breast milk a few days after the baby is born. However, small amounts of colostrum remain in breast milk for several weeks. Differences between colostrum and breast milk include:

• Colostrum has four times as much zinc
• Colostrum has two times as much protein
• Colostrum is thicker and more yellow
• Colostrum is lower in fat and sugar, so it’s easier to digest

Stages of breast milk

There are three different stages of breastfeeding:

• Colostrum: The first milk lasts two and four days after birth.
• Transitional milk: It starts about four days after birth and lasts for about two weeks.
• Mature milk: Milk that remains approximately 14 days after birth until the end of milk production.

Does diet Affect Colostrum?

Maternal food choices affect colostrum composition. The mother’s diet has been shown to alter healthy fats and the vitamin content of colostrum.

Tips for Early Breastfeeding

The first few days of breastfeeding can be challenging for many new mothers.

Stay together after the birth

Holding the baby after delivery creates a feeling of intimacy and a strong hormonal response associated with success in breastfeeding.

Get position and attachment right

The first few days after birth provide the best opportunity for mother and baby to learn to breastfeed. The mother’s breasts are still soft a few days after delivery; the breasts become full and firm as the breast milk changes from colostrum to mature milk.

Be patient

Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby learn and is more difficult for some mothers than others. Like anything new, it takes time and patience. Calmness is important for the mother and child.

Feed on demand or according to need

At the beginning of breastfeeding, the baby is breastfed 7 to 12 times in 24 hours. Frequent and effective feeding helps the mother make enough milk for her baby.

Supplements Aren’t Needed

While only 1 to 2 ounces of colostrum is produced per day, make sure your baby gets enough breast milk in the first few days. In most cases, they do not require a formula.

If the baby is born healthy and full, there is no need to consume powdered milk as long as it is in the colostrum stage. However, supplements may be recommended if the baby is premature or has certain health problems or if there is a delay in breast milk production.

What is latching on?

The way the baby puts the breast to the mouth for feeding is called a breastfeeding latch and is very important. A good breastfeeding latch means that the baby can remove the milk effectively from the breasts and also helps the mother to prevent nipple pain.

Guiding a newborn baby to close properly may require trial and error. In order to be able to close properly, the baby must be attached to the entire nipple and part of the areola. If their lips are turned outwards, and their chin and nose are touching their chest, this is a good sign that they are well attached to them.

Bovine colostrum

Bovine colostrum is a milky liquid that comes out of a cow’s breast for the first few days after birth before the actual milk appears. This fluid contains proteins called antibodies. These antibodies may fight bacteria and viruses that cause disease. The level of antibodies in Bovine colostrum can be 100 times higher than the level of normal cow milk. Researchers have created a special type of Bovine colostrum called “Hyperiman cow colostrum.” This particular colostrum is produced by cows that have been vaccinated against specific pathogenic organisms and have specific antibodies.

Recognize adequate breast milk intake

While this is a very common concern for many first-time parents, it is rare for a mother not to be able to produce enough breast milk for her baby. If the baby is properly latched on and breastfed every two to three hours, your body should produce enough breast milk. To be sure, you can watch for signs that your baby is getting enough milk. Your child should:

• Gaining weight steadily
• Going through 6 to 8 wet diapers a day
• Having regular bowel movements

The bottom line

The first milk is the milk that breasts produce during pregnancy. Most mothers do not even know that this milk is in their breasts unless it leaks from their breasts in late pregnancy. The mother’s body begins to make colostrum from the third or fourth month of pregnancy. This thick, almost yellow, or clear golden liquid contains antibodies that help protect babies from infection.

First milk contains more protein but fewer carbohydrates and fat than breast milk. It is easy to digest and has exactly the right amount of nutrients a baby needs in the first few days after birth.

It is rich in antibodies and immunoglobulins, which protect babies when they enter this world full of bacteria and viruses and have a laxative effect that helps your baby pass stools called meconium.

During prenatal care and pregnancy, Arjang Naim MD gives necessary advice to mothers about breastfeeding.

Additional questions