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What Is It, Benefits & What To Expect

Overview

What is colostrum?

Colostrum (kuh-loss-trum) is the first milk your body produces during pregnancy. It forms in your mammary glands (breasts) and plays an important role in building your baby's immune system. If you plan on breastfeeding (nursing or chestfeeding), it's the first milk your baby will get from your breasts. If you don't want to breastfeed or if your baby is struggling to breastfeed, you can hand express colostrum. It's high in protein, vitamins, minerals and immunoglobulins (antibodies) that help build your baby's immune system. It's often called "liquid gold" because of its rich, golden color and valuable benefits.

What is colostrum made of?

Colostrum is high in protein and low in fat and sugar. It's filled with white blood cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies strengthen your baby's immune system, protecting him or her from infection. Colostrum is highly concentrated and nutrient-dense even in tiny doses, so your baby's tummy doesn't need a lot to reap its benefits.

What kind of nutrients are in colostrum?

Colostrum is rich in nutrients that protect and nourish your baby unlike anything else. It's made up of things like:

• Immunoglobulin A (an antibody).
• Lactoferrin (a protein that helps prevent infection).
• Leukocytes (white blood cells).
• Epidermal growth factor (a protein that stimulates cell growth).

It gets its color from carotenoids (an antioxidant) and vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in your baby's vision, skin and immune system. Colostrum is rich in magnesium, which supports your baby’s heart and bones, and copper and zinc, which also support immunity.

What's the difference between colostrum and breast milk?

Colostrum is a nutrient-rich first milk produced by your breasts during pregnancy. It changes to transitional breast milk a few days after your baby is born. However, small amounts of colostrum remain in your breast milk for several weeks.

There are distinct differences between colostrum and breast milk:

• Colostrum is filled with immunoglobins to boost your baby's immune system and protect it from illness.
• Colostrum has two times as much protein.
• Colostrum has four times as much zinc.
• Colostrum is lower in fat and sugar so it's easier to digest.
• Colostrum is thicker and more yellow.

What are the stages of breast milk?

There are three different stages of breast milk: colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk.

• Colostrum: Your first milk that lasts between two and four days after birth.
• Transitional milk: Begins approximately four days after birth and lasts about two weeks.
• Mature milk: Milk that lasts from approximately 14 days after birth until you are done producing milk.

When does colostrum turn to milk?

After approximately three or four days, colostrum will turn to transitional milk. This is often referred to as someone's milk "coming in." Your breasts will feel firm, tender and full. It means your milk supply has ramped up. By this time your baby's stomach has expanded and they can drink more milk each feeding. Once your milk supply is established and your body has stabilized, transitional milk changes to mature milk.

What makes colostrum turn to breast milk?

The pregnancy hormones created by the placenta help you create colostrum. The hormone progesterone drops significantly when the placenta separates from your uterus (after your baby is born). This drop in progesterone triggers your breasts to create milk.

Function

What is the purpose of colostrum?

The function of your breasts, or mammary glands, is to produce milk to feed your baby. Colostrum is more than the first milk your baby consumes after birth. It's highly concentrated with nutrients and antibodies to fight infection and protect your baby. It provides a powerful, unique immunity that only it can provide. Because your baby only needs a little bit of colostrum, it also helps them learn to suck, swallow and breathe during feeding.

What are the benefits of colostrum?

Colostrum builds your baby's immune system and provides concentrated nutrition. Some of the benefits of colostrum are:

• Helps strengthen your baby's immune system.
• Helps to establish a healthy gut by coating the intestines. This helps keep harmful bacteria from being absorbed.
• Offers ideal nutrition for a newborn.
• Has a laxative effect that helps your baby clear meconium (your baby's first poop) and lessens the chance of jaundice.
• Easy to digest.
• Helps prevent low blood sugar in full-term babies.

Why is colostrum good for newborns?

Colostrum has all the nutrients your baby needs in the first few days of life. It's also packed with nutrients and vitamins to strengthen your baby's immune system.

The flow of colostrum from your nipples is slow so your baby can learn to breastfeed (nurse). Learning how to breastfeed takes practice and requires your newborn to not only learn to suck and swallow but breathe at the same time.

Does leaking colostrum mean labor is close?

Colostrum leaking from your breasts doesn't mean labor is coming. Leaking colostrum is normal and some people notice it as early as the second trimester. Some don't notice any signs of leaking colostrum while others will see dried colostrum on their nipples. If you are leaking colostrum, you can wear disposable or washable breast pads.

Can you express colostrum if you're pregnant?

Colostrum can be expressed by about week 37 in pregnancy and is beneficial for some people. Using your hands to compress your breasts in a rhythmic pattern so that milk comes out is called hand expressing. Expressing colostrum before your baby is born carries some risks like contractions or premature labor. It can be beneficial to those at risk for premature birth, low milk supply or when certain health conditions present.

Speak with your healthcare provider before you remove colostrum from your breasts. If you are leaking colostrum, it may be safe to collect and store it for when your baby is born.

Can you pump colostrum?

It's difficult to pump colostrum with a breast pump because of its thick consistency. Most people recommend and prefer using their hands to express colostrum. Hand expressing colostrum usually produces more colostrum than a pump.

Anatomy

What does colostrum look like?

Colostrum is often a deep, rich yellow or orange color, almost like the yolk of an egg. This is because it contains high levels of beta carotene. It can sometimes appear white, clear or creamy. It's a thicker consistency than breast milk (or cow's milk), but the thickness varies from person to person. Colostrum is often sticky and can contain faint traces of blood (this is normal).

How do I know I am making colostrum?

Your body begins producing colostrum between 12 and 18 weeks in pregnancy. Most people will produce anywhere from a tablespoon to an ounce of colostrum within the first 24 hours of delivery. This slowly increases until transitional milk comes in around the third or fourth day. In most cases, you will not know if you are making colostrum, however, it's very rare to be unable to produce colostrum. You will know if your baby is getting colostrum if he or she is maintaining their weight and wetting diapers.

How long do you have colostrum?

Your body produces colostrum for up to about five days after your baby is born. It changes to transitional milk around this time, then changes again to mature milk after about 14 days. Traces of colostrum are present in your breast milk for up to six weeks.

Conditions and Disorders

What happens if you don't produce colostrum?

Most people will produce some colostrum — not producing it is rare. It's normal to feel like nothing is coming out of your breasts and worry that your baby isn't getting enough. Your baby only needs a few teaspoons of colostrum to fill their tiny stomach.

Care

How do you store pumped colostrum?

If you and your healthcare provider decide it's safe to express and store colostrum, there are a few rules to follow. First, you should ensure the colostrum is stored in a sterile container or syringe. It can be kept in your refrigerator for about two or three days. It must be moved to a freezer after three days. Colostrum can be kept in a freezer for at least three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much colostrum does a newborn need?

Your newborn's tummy is about the size of a marble. They only need about an ounce of colostrum per day. This equals about a teaspoon each feeding (you can expect to feed your newborn eight to 10 times the first few days). The amount of colostrum (and then transitional milk) your baby needs increases slowly each day as their stomach expands. As your body transitions to producing regular breast milk, your milk production will increase to meet their needs.

Do I need to supplement?

No, you shouldn't need to supplement. A tiny bit of colostrum goes a long way in filling up your baby. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure your baby is gaining weight. If your baby is wetting diapers and seems pretty happy, supplementing is usually not necessary.

Is it okay to squeeze out colostrum?

Yes, it's usually OK to squeeze out colostrum once you reach full-term pregnancy (37 weeks). Check with your healthcare provider if you wish to do this prior to your baby being born. If you want to hand express colostrum for your newborn, follow these steps:

• Cup your breasts with your hand in a "C" shape. Four fingers should be under your breast and your thumb should be above your nipple.
• Use your thumb and index finger to gently squeeze your areola and nipple.
• Repeat several times and in a pattern. Apply firm pressure but do not slide your fingers. If colostrum doesn't come out, try moving your fingers to another spot.
• Colostrum should slowly flow out within minutes. It's thick and comes out in drops.
• You can repeat this a few times per day.

Please note that expressing colostrum before your baby is born carries risks. Some people can go into premature labor or begin having contractions. Talk to your healthcare provider before you express colostrum.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Colostrum is the first milk produced by your breasts. It's rich in nutrients and high in antibodies and antioxidants. Getting started with breastfeeding can be difficult and usually requires assistance, so don't be ashamed to ask your healthcare provider for help. Breastfeeding early and often is the best way to make sure your baby gets the many benefits from colostrum. Hand expressing colostrum and feeding your baby with a syringe is also an option. Ask your healthcare team for help if feeding your baby colostrum is something you wish to do.

Colostrum during pregnancy | Medela

Colostrum is sometimes called liquid gold, and not only because of its color. We will tell you why this first food is so important for a newborn baby.

Share this information

Colostrum, the first milk produced at the start of breastfeeding, is the ideal nutrition for a newborn. It is very concentrated and rich in proteins and nutrients, so even in small quantities it saturates the tiny tummy of a newborn for a long time. Colostrum is low in fat and easy to digest, yet provides the baby with all the essential ingredients for an optimal developmental start. And perhaps most importantly, it plays a decisive role in the formation of the baby's immune system.

Colostrum looks thicker and yellower than mature milk. Its composition also differs in accordance with the special needs of the newborn.

Colostrum fights infections

Almost two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells, which not only protect the baby's body from infections, but also teach them to fight them themselves. ¹ “White blood cells are very important for the development of immunity. They provide protection and counteract pathogenic microbes,” says Professor Peter Hartmann of the University of Western Australia, a leading lactation expert.

After giving birth, your body no longer protects the baby, and he must confront the new dangers of the world on his own. The white blood cells found in colostrum produce antibodies that can neutralize bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are especially good at dealing with indigestion and diarrhea, which is very important for very young children, whose intestines are not yet fully developed.

Colostrum supports the child's immune system and intestinal function

Colostrum is especially rich in secretory immunoglobulin A -
is the most important antibody that protects the child from diseases, but not through the circulatory system, but as a protective coating of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. ² “The molecules that provide the mother's immune defenses enter the mother's bloodstream into the breast, where they combine to form secretory immunoglobulin A, which is then transferred to the baby along with colostrum,” explains Professor Hartmann. “Secretory immunoglobulin A accumulates on the mucous membranes of the intestines and respiratory system of the child and protects him from diseases that the mother has already had.”

Colostrum also contains many other immunological components and growth factors that stimulate the development of protective mucous membranes in the intestines of the child, and the prebiotics contained in it contribute to the formation of beneficial microflora. ³

Colostrum prevents jaundice

Colostrum not only protects against indigestion, but also has a laxative effect. This helps newborns to empty the intestines frequently, removing from it everything that was digested there in the prenatal state, in the form of meconium - dark and viscous feces.

Frequent stools in newborns also reduce the risk of jaundice. A baby is born with a high level of red blood cells that absorb oxygen from the air. As these cells break down, the liver helps to process them, producing a by-product called bilirubin. If the child's liver is not yet sufficiently formed to process it, bilirubin begins to be deposited in the body, causing jaundice. ⁴ The laxative properties of colostrum help the baby to remove bilirubin from the body along with the stool.

Colostrum contains vitamins and minerals

Carotenoids and vitamin A give colostrum its characteristic yellow color. . ⁷ Babies are usually born with a low supply of vitamin A, ⁸ and colostrum helps to replenish it.

"The first three days are especially important for establishing breastfeeding"

In addition, colostrum is rich in minerals, such as magnesium, which is good for the baby's heart and bones, and copper and zinc, which are involved in the development of the immune system. ^9.10 Zinc also contributes to the development of the brain, and there is almost four times more zinc in colostrum than in mature milk, ¹⁰ because the brain of a newborn must develop rapidly.

Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop

Colostrum contains many other ingredients that help your baby grow and develop. The role of some of them is still unknown to scientists.

“Colostrum retains its composition for about 30 hours after the baby is born,” says Prof. Hartmann. - It contains quite a lot of proteins, because all the antibodies in its composition are essentially proteins. It is relatively low in lactose [milk sugar] and has a different fat composition than mature milk.”

In addition, colostrum is close in composition to the amniotic fluid that your baby swallowed and excreted while in the womb, making it ideal for adapting to the outside world. ¹¹

Transition from colostrum to mature milk

Breast milk usually begins to arrive two to four days after birth. The breasts become firmer and fuller, and instead of colostrum, transitional milk is excreted, which is whiter in color and creamier in consistency.

“The first three days are especially important for establishing breastfeeding,” says Prof. Hartmann. “If everything is done correctly during this period, lactation is likely to be good, and the baby will be able to grow normally.”

It seems unbelievable now, but in just one year your baby will be able to walk and maybe even talk. Colostrum is produced for only a few days, but makes an invaluable contribution to the development of the baby during the first 12 months, and the resulting benefits remain with him for life.

Want to know more? Read our free e-book Surprising Breast Milk Facts and article What is Transitional Milk?.

Literature

1 Hassiotou F et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4): e 3. - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4):e3.

9 Kulski JK, Hartmann PE. Changes in human milk composition during the initiation of lactation. AUST J EXP Biol Med SCI . 1981;59(1):101-114. - Kulsky JK, Hartmann PI, "Changes in the composition of breast milk at the onset of lactation". Aust Zh Exp Biol Med Sai. 1981;59(1):101-114.

10 Casey CE Studies in human lactation: zinc, copper, manganese and chromium in human milk in the first month of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(6):1193-1200. - Casey S.I. et al., Female Lactation Study: Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, and Chromium in Breast Milk in the Early Months of Lactation. Am J Clean Nutr. 1985;41(6):1193-1200.

11 Marlier L et al. Neonatal responsiveness to the odor of amniotic and lacteal fluids: a test of perinatal chemosensory continuity. Child Dev . 1998;69(3):611-623. - Marlier L. et al., "Newborn responses to amniotic and milk odors: testing perinatal chemosensory continuity. Child Dev. 1998;69(3):611-623.

Colostrum during pregnancy and after childbirth

Elizaveta Shatunova

By Daily Baby

#newborn #breast-feeding #childbirth #colostrum

Colostrum is the first mother's milk, which is produced at the very beginning of breastfeeding. This is a valuable product for the baby - here the doctors are unanimous. Colostrum provides the child with all the essential components for an optimal start of development. But it happens that it begins to be produced even during pregnancy. And you should not be afraid - this is considered the norm. We will tell you in detail about colostrum during pregnancy and after childbirth.

When does colostrum begin to be produced?

In some women, a yellowish-white fluid oozes from the nipples as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, this can happen even in the first couple of weeks after the fertilization of the egg.

In a number of cases, a woman realizes that she is pregnant just by escaping colostrum. But already from the 30th week of pregnancy, colostrum appears in most women. Just at this time, you have to stock up on special absorbent inserts in the bra. But in "full strength" colostrum will make itself felt only after childbirth - when the process of breastfeeding begins.

Colostrum during pregnancy: when, how much and reasons for concern

Doctors rush to reassure expectant mothers that the amount of colostrum produced during pregnancy has nothing to do with how much milk a woman will have after childbirth. These processes are not related to each other in any way. Do not worry if for all nine months you have not seen the "cherished" drops of the first milk. This is also considered normal. Colostrum is produced - it just remains in the ducts of the mammary glands, and therefore does not flow out of the breast.

There are a number of factors that provoke the release of colostrum during pregnancy:

• sexual intercourse;
• high ambient temperature;
• hot bath or shower;
• hot drinks;
• severe stress (caused by both positive and negative emotions).

The amount of colostrum produced during pregnancy can vary. From a couple of drops to a thin stream. But no matter how much first milk a mother has, it is absolutely impossible to express it. It is believed that this can lead to uterine contractions - a serious risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Sometimes small blotches of blood are observed in colostrum, which is also considered normal. Provided, of course, that these are isolated cases that are not accompanied by other frightening symptoms - chest pains, swelling and high fever. But a consultation with a doctor is still required! Small bleeding may indicate an expansion of the ducts of the mammary glands - the body is preparing for early breastfeeding. This process in some cases is accompanied by rupture of capillaries, as a result of which blood, mixing with colostrum, comes out of the nipples. If it seems that there is a lot of blood discharge, and they do not stop, an immediate examination of the doctor is required.

An unpleasant smell of colostrum and painful sensations in the chest during its discharge are also considered abnormal. This may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or even a tumor in the mammary glands. Contact your doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms.

After childbirth: transition from colostrum to mature milk

Colostrum, when compared with "normal" breast milk, appears more yellow and thicker. This is what the child receives in the first days after his birth. The amount of colostrum is very small, but every drop is needed by the baby. According to doctors, it is extremely important not to miss the moment and attach the baby to the breast in the first three days after birth.

Active secretion of colostrum falls on the first day after childbirth. Then its quantity gradually decreases. 2-5 days after birth, the so-called "transitional milk" appears.

Usually lighter in color. At this stage, the breast becomes firmer and fuller, the body prepares for the active production of mature milk, which appears 2-3 weeks after birth. A very stressful period in establishing breastfeeding, since there is a lot of milk, then there is not enough milk. Doctors advise breastfeeding more often to speed up the process.

What are the benefits of colostrum for a child

Colostrum is produced only for a few days, but it makes an invaluable contribution to the development of the baby. It contains immunoglobulins, proteins, polypeptides, trace elements and vitamins - those substances that will give a huge impetus to the physical development of the child. The first milk is relatively low in lactose, and its fat composition is different from mature milk. It is believed that colostrum in its properties is close to amniotic fluid - the environment where the child "lived" for all nine months. It is ideal for the baby in the period of his adaptation to the outside world.

So what exactly is the benefit of colostrum?

Formation of immunity

Colostrum contains a large number of leukocytes and immunoglobulins. They protect the child's body from infections, teach them to fight them on their own. This is why colostrum is often referred to as a baby's first immune defense. Leukocytes contribute to the production of antibodies that can neutralize bacteria and viruses.

The formation of the “correct” bowel function

Immunoglobulins and prebiotics, which enter the child's body along with colostrum, contribute to the development of mucous membranes in his intestines and the formation of beneficial microflora. The first milk has a mild laxative effect, which allows you to quickly remove from the body everything that was not digested in the intestines of the baby in utero. And timely bowel movement in newborns is also the prevention of jaundice.

Physical development

Colostrum contains growth factors that stimulate active cell regeneration in the baby's body. This gives impetus to his active physical development.

Calcium and other trace elements, which are 2-4 times more than in mature milk, are involved in strengthening the baby's skeleton. Potassium, in turn, has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Prevention of eye and skin diseases

Colostrum has a yellowish color due to the high content of vitamin A in it. This substance is extremely important for the prevention of diseases of the eyes and skin, strong immunity. As a rule, newborn children have a low supply of carotenoids, and colostrum helps to make up for this “defect”.

Colostrum Breastfeeding Tips

Doctors say the first days of breastfeeding are important. The child actively “masters” the reflex of sucking and swallowing, receiving, together with colostrum, all the necessary nutrients for its development. These skills will be very useful to the baby when milk is produced in greater quantities.

Here are some tips from experts for successful breastfeeding:

1. Try to breastfeed your baby within the first hour after birth. This will start the production of colostrum. And of course, it will bring great benefits to the child. If for one reason or another it is impossible to do this, doctors recommend expressing the first milk in order to give it to the baby later. This is especially important if he was born prematurely.
2. Correct breastfeeding is the key to successful breastfeeding. It is on this that the amount of milk arriving and the development of the sucking reflex in the baby depend. Incorrect grip, moreover, often causes damage to the nipples. When applying the baby to the breast, direct the nipple to his palate. Then the child will correctly capture the nipple and part of the areola under it. And while you are in the hospital, do not hesitate to consult with doctors on the correct attachment of the baby to the breast.
3. Colostrum in the first days after childbirth is produced in small quantities - about 20-40 ml per day. As long as the baby is enough. But in order to speed up the appearance of transitional, and then mature milk, it is better to put the baby to the breast as often as possible - up to 10 or even up to 14 times a day, including at night. At this stage, the duration of feeding can be delayed - the baby only learns innate reflexes.

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