Colostrum is the first milk produced by a new mom’s body, and the first milk a newborn baby will get from their mother’s breasts. It is made by a pregnant mother’s body between weeks 12 and 18 of pregnancy until a few days after delivery. Colostrum provides all the nutrients and fluid that a newborn need in the early days, as well as many substances to protect against infections. It is thicker than the more mature breast milk – it is higher in protein, slightly lower in sugar, and significantly lower in fat.
Although most mothers’ breasts do not feel full on the day they give birth, they will still have adequate amounts of colostrum to nourish their precious newborn. Their bodies will produce this liquid gold for a few days after giving birth, right up until their more mature milk comes in.
Colostrum and the first feedings
Newborns have different suckling instincts – some may be stronger than others. This suckling instinct is strongest immediately after being born, hence it is best to introduce the breast during the first hour or so of the baby’s life. Suckling stimulates the breasts to produce more milk, thus helping to establish a reliable milk supply, while also signaling the uterus to contract and decrease the chance of excessive bleeding after delivery.
The first feeding is crucial in helping a newborn to learn how to nurse. Placing the newborn baby skin to skin against their mother’s chest will help to encourage them towards the breast and the precious colostrum – a newborn will instinctively want to latch on and begin feeding on this precious first food. In many ways, this initial phase of breastfeeding is a learning process for new moms and their babies.
It’s important to note that not all newborns have an initial interest in nursing. The fact is, newborns do not need much fluids, which is why their mothers’ breasts contain only small amounts of colostrum. Remember that this is the stage when frequent feedings are more important than long periods of feeding. If your breasts seem to still be soft and not feel full yet, it is because your mature milk has not come in yet. Your breasts are meant to remain soft and supple for the time being, to make it easier for your baby to learn how to latch on and suckle.
How newborns benefit from colostrum
Newborns’ immune systems are still fragile as their bodies are yet to produce much antibodies. This is why the ever-important colostrum is needed, for it provides various antibodies and white blood cells that help newborns fight off infection. A mom’s own antibodies to various diseases will also be passed on to her newborn through her colostrum, and after that, the following breast milk. Colostrum is a very nutrient-dense and is high in protein, white blood cells, antibodies, antioxidants, magnesium, copper, and other nutrients. As it is considerably lower in fat and sugar, it is also easier for a newborn to digest. Colostrum is crucial for newborns because it:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates cell growth
- Supports vision and skin health
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Supports bone development
