![\"Colostrum](\"https:\/\/medela.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/K6_Colostrum-1024x576.jpg\")
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Colostrum, the first milk you produce when starting breastfeeding, is the ideal nourishment for a newborn. It\u2019s highly concentrated, full of protein and nutrient-dense \u2013 so a little goes a long way in your baby\u2019s tiny tummy. It\u2019s also low in fat, easy to digest, and brimming with components that start his development in the best possible way. And, perhaps even more importantly, it plays a crucial role in building his immune system.<\/p>\n
Colostrum looks thicker and more yellow than mature milk<\/a>. Its composition is different too, because it\u2019s tailored to your newborn\u2019s specific needs.<\/p>\n Colostrum fights infection Having left the protection of your body, your baby needs to be ready for new challenges in the world around him. The white blood cells in colostrum produce antibodies that can neutralise bacteria or viruses. These antibodies are particularly effective against tummy upsets and diarrhoea \u2013 important for young babies who have immature guts.<\/p>\n It supports your baby\u2019s immune system and gut function Colostrum is also rich in other immunologic components and growth factors that stimulate growth of protective mucus membranes in your baby\u2019s intestines. And while that\u2019s happening, the prebiotics in colostrum feed and build up the \u2018good\u2019 bacteria in your baby\u2019s gut.3<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n Colostrum helps prevent jaundice Frequent pooing also reduces an infant\u2019s risk of newborn jaundice. Your baby is born with high levels of red blood cells, which take oxygen around his body. When these cells break down, his liver helps to process them, creating a by-product called bilirubin. If your baby\u2019s liver isn\u2019t developed enough to process the bilirubin, it builds up in his system, causing jaundice.4<\/sup><\/a> The laxative properties of colostrum help your baby flush out bilirubin in his poo.<\/p>\n Vitamins and minerals in colostrum \u201cThose first three days or so are a crucial time for establishing breastfeeding\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Colostrum is rich in minerals too, such as magnesium, which supports your baby\u2019s heart and bones; and copper and zinc, which help develop his immune system.9,10<\/sup><\/a> Zinc also aids brain development, and there\u2019s nearly four times more zinc in colostrum than in mature milk10 to support your newborn\u2019s rapidly developing brain.<\/p>\n Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop \u201cColostrum maintains the same composition until about 30 hours after birth,\u201d<\/em> says Professor Hartmann. \u201cIt\u2019s relatively high in protein because all the antibodies in it are proteins. It\u2019s relatively low in lactose [the milk sugar], and the fat is a different composition to that in mature milk.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n And because colostrum has a similar make-up to amniotic fluid (which your baby has been swallowing and excreting in your womb), it\u2019s ideal easing for his transition to the outside world.11<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n The transition from colostrum to mature milk \u201cThose first three days or so are a crucial time for establishing breastfeeding,\u201d<\/em> says Professor Hartmann. \u201cIf you can get things right during this time, you\u2019re likely to get good lactation and the baby growing well.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n It seems unimaginable now, but in just one year your baby could be walking and on the verge of talking. You only produce colostrum for a short time, but it makes an invaluable contribution to those first 12 months, and to the rest of his life.<\/p>\n Interested in finding out more? Read our free ebook The Amazing Science of Mother\u2019s Milk<\/a> and see our article What is transitional milk?<\/a><\/p>\n You may have heard colostrum described as liquid gold \u2013 and not just because it\u2019s yellow! We explore why it is such a precious first food for your breastfeeding newborn. Colostrum, the first milk you produce when starting breastfeeding, is the ideal nourishment for a newborn. It\u2019s highly concentrated, full of protein and nutrient-dense \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":4518,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[98],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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\nUp to two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells that guard against infections, as well as helping your baby start fighting infections for himself.1<\/sup><\/a> \u201cWhite blood cells are important as far as immune responses are concerned. They provide protection and challenge pathogens,\u201d<\/em> explains Professor Peter Hartmann, a leading expert in the science of lactation, based at The University of Western Australia.<\/p>\n
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\nYour colostrum is especially rich in a crucial antibody called sIgA. This protects your baby against disease, not by passing into his bloodstream, but by lining his gastrointestinal tract.2<\/sup><\/a> \u201cMolecules that have provided an immune defence against infection in the mother are transported in her blood to the breast, join together to form sIgA, and are secreted into her colostrum,\u201d<\/em> explains Professor Hartmann. \u201cThis sIgA becomes concentrated in the mucus lining of the baby\u2019s gut and respiratory system, protecting him against illnesses the mother has already experienced.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nAs well as protecting against tummy upsets, colostrum acts like a laxative that makes your newborn poo frequently. This helps empty his bowels of everything he ingested while in the womb, in the form of meconium \u2013 dark, sticky stools.<\/p>\n
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\nIt\u2019s the carotenoids and vitamin A in colostrum that give it the distinctive yellowy colour.5<\/sup><\/a> Vitamin A is important for your baby\u2019s vision (vitamin A deficiency is a major cause of blindness worldwide),6<\/sup><\/a> as well as keeping his skin and immune system healthy.7<\/sup><\/a> Babies are usually born with low reserves of vitamin A,8<\/sup><\/a> so colostrum helps make up the deficit.<\/p>\n
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\nYour colostrum contains numerous other components that support your baby\u2019s growth and development. Scientists are still working out the part some of them play.<\/p>\n
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\nAfter two to four days, your breast milk should \u2018come in\u2019. You\u2019ll notice your breasts feeling firmer and fuller, and instead of colostrum they\u2019ll produce transitional milk, which is whiter in colour and creamier in texture.<\/p>\n<\/a>References<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n