Colostrum or liquid gold as some call it, is the earliest milk produced just after birth. Expectant moms start producing it in mid pregnancy and continues for 2-5 days after birth when colostrum is replaced by mature mothers milk.
This highly concentrated and nutrient dense substance has amazing properties that protect and nourish your newborn in the early days. In fact, it is so good that adults want some too – bovine colostrum are harvested and nowadays available to take in tablet form. Have you ever??🤪🤪
Why is Colostrum Amazing?
The value of colostrum is immeasurable, and paves the way for healthy growth and development of the newborn. If I can motivate even one mom to try and breastfeed in those early days, it is worth it. This is really a situation where every drop counts.
• Colostrum is rich in immunologic components such as antibodies (IgA), lactoferrins and white blood cells, as well as factors that promote growth and development (Epidermal Growth Factor), especially of the gut. The fact that colostrum is lower in lactose than established breastmilk , supports the facts that the function of colostrum is more immunologic than nutritional. • In premature babies, born with a very immature immune system, it colonises the baby’s gut with maternal antibodies and bacteria that will stimulate the immune system to begin working. Even the tiniest drops of colostrum can make a huge difference in their outcomes. • Produces a coating for the stomach lining , protecting the baby from bacteria and viruses that can potentially cause illness. • Colostrum contains probiotics and this feed and build the good bacteria in your baby’s gut. • It acts as a laxative to help expel meconium. Getting this cycle started also helps protect against development of jaundice. • Colostrum is high in Vit A and carotenoids, therefore it looks more yellow than established breastmilk. Vit A is important for healthy development of vision as well as skin and immune support. • It also contains important minerals such as Magnesium that supports your baby’s heart and bones. High levels of Zinc in colostrum is important for brain growth and aids the immune system. • Colostrum’s higher level of protein, fat and vitamins is needed for complete nutrition. Colostrum has a similar composition to amniotic fluid and because baby is used to swallowing that in the womb it makes transition to the outside world easier. It is literally in a ready to drink formula for baby.
Keep calm and carry on….breastfeeding!
XOXO Dr Christa