Colostrum

Colostrum which has also been called the “first milk”, “liquid gold” or “immune milk” is a clear, sticky, thick liquid that is produced by mom’s mammary glands after the first day of her baby’s birth.

Colostrum is rich in proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals, the benefits of colostrum are enormous. Colostrum is produced in very small amounts for the first four days and then replaced with a lighter thinner liquid (breast milk) Your breasts might start producing colustrum during the last months of pregnancy…but it's also normal for them to start producing it the day your baby is born.

On day one baby's stomach capacity is about 5-7 ml, or the size of a marble. This is why just a few tsp of colostrum is needed to satisfy baby’s appetite. On day seven baby’s tummy is about the size of a ping pong ball by then your milk supply will be meeting baby’s demands with mature milk. So moms should not be worried about a low milk supply in the first few weeks, they should just breastfeed baby as often as they can so that their milk supply can start building.

Colostrum benefits

- A new born baby has a very small stomach, which can only take small amounts...colostrum is provided in small amounts

- Colostrum is a concentrated (high in nutrients) liquid that is made especially for baby’s needs.

- Colostrum also encourages baby’s first bowel movement, clearing his digestive tact of meconium (first dark stool)

- Colostrum also contains many antibodies and growth factors. The growth factors promote development of baby’s digestive system and the antibodies promote the immune system.

- It contains immunoglobulin A, which is an antibody that protects baby against infections of the throat, lungs and intestines.

- It contains protective white cells which help destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses

- Colostrum has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

To those moms who have decided that breastfeeding is something that they will not be doing, at least let your baby breastfeed for the first four days of his life so that he can benefit from the properties in colostrum.

Other interesting pages on "breastfeeding problems" related to colostrum

- The benefits of breastfeeding

- First time breastfeeding moms

- Understanding breastmilk production 

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