What is Colostrum and Its Importance for Baby?

Colostrum is your baby’s first superfood, which your body expels through the breasts. Upon delivery, your breasts first release it but your body starts producing it during pregnancy. It is a rich, sticky yellow substance (also known as liquid gold) and is packed with properties to nourish and protect the baby in the initial days of life.

The production of colostrum milk varies from one woman to another. Some women may see its production in the first trimester while others in the third trimester. In case you haven’t seen any fluid yet, don’t worry as it’s not until after the placenta’s delivery that hormonal shifts encourage lactation and the release of colostrum.

Colostrum Meaning

Colostrum is the first milk produced by your breasts during pregnancy and after giving birth. Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antibodies, colostrum milk provides nourishment to your newborn baby and builds their immune system. Colostrum is rich in protein, Vitamins A, K, B12 and magnesium, copper and zinc.

For the first 3-5 days after the birth of your baby, your body will only produce colostrum. The next stage called transitional milk, which is a mix of colostrum and breast milk and lasts for 10 to 14 days later switching to regular breast milk. Your breast milk can contain traces of colostrum for up to 6 weeks after childbirth.

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Benefits and Importance of Colostrum Milk

Here are some of the benefits of colostrum milk which make it an important first food for your baby:

1. Helps flush the digestive tract

The first bowel movement of the baby or meconium is a thick green tar-like substance. Colostrum helps flush out the digestive tract to expel the meconium and prevent constipation. Additionally, colostrum milk flushes out the excess bilirubin and also helps prevent jaundice.

2. Immunity booster

It contains antibodies, immunoglobulins and white blood cells, which help protect a baby’s body against any infection of the lung, throat or intestines. Besides this, the pH levels of colostrum also encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

3. Plugs the gut holes

As babies are born with a permeable gut lining, it makes them more susceptible to infections. Colostrum works wonders as it enters the bloodstream through this gut lining to seal the gut. It helps prevent any food allergies and leaky gut issues like diarrhea.

4. Natural immunization against infection

A newborn baby’s gut, liver and immune function are underdeveloped. With colostrum working to seal the gut lining, it works to prevent any unwanted substances from entering the bloodstream and causing sickness.

5. Regulation of body functions

It takes time for a baby’s body to be able to regulate itself once outside the womb and into the world. Colostrum milk helps a baby adapt by regulating the vascular system, lung function and body temperature to maintain homeostasis.

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Why The Colostrum is Very Important to Feed the Baby?

It is essential for you to feed your baby colostrum milk because it helps to protect and nourish their body in the first days of life. It is the ideal first food for your baby and is tailor-made according to the requirements of your newborn. It not only contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your little one needs but also antibodies (passed directly from you) to protect them against infections and diseases.

Colostrum is rich in protein, Vitamin A, magnesium, copper and zinc. All these nutrients are important for your baby’s vision, heart, bones, immune system and brain development. As a result, feeding your baby colostrum milk in the first days of his/her life is crucial.

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How Much Colostrum Does a Newborn Need?

A newborn baby’s stomach is about the size of a marble, meaning their feeding requirements are very low. They only need about a teaspoon of colostrum around 8-10 times a day. Women produce somewhere between a tablespoon to an ounce of colostrum milk in the initial days after birth.

Colostrum is usually released in small and concentrated amounts, which is the perfect quantity for your baby. Don’t worry if the amount seems too small as what you're producing is exactly equivalent to your baby’s appetite. So, give yourself a round of applause as your body knows about your baby’s requirements.