Let’s Chat…Colostrum

What is colostrum?

Your body begins preparing to feed your baby early in pregnancy. Around 12-18 weeks, your breasts start to produce colostrum. This early milk is highly concentrated, with all the proteins, sugars, fats, and (best of all) antibodies your baby needs in the first few days of life. It is thick and sticky, like the consistency of honey or syrup. Colostrum is produced in small amounts as your baby masters the skill of nursing and their tiny tummies grow. Often the color yellow, it is referred to as liquid gold!

Why is colostrum beneficial?

At birth, your baby’s gut is nearly sterile. Feeding your baby colostrum in the first few days of life coats your baby’s intestines with good bacteria and builds a healthy microbiome. A healthy gut is the key to fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses. 

About the same time you start making colostrum, your baby begins making their first stool. This first stool is called meconium. Colostrum is a natural laxative that helps pass meconium. Early passage of meconium reduces the risk of jaundice. 

The small amounts of this thick milk you produce make it easier for your baby to learn how to suckle and swallow. Your baby’s stomach is tiny in the first few days and grows as your production increases.

Troubleshooting

If your baby has difficulty latching or nursing in the first few hours of life, express your breasts to collect colostrum. The most efficient way to remove this milk is by performing hand expression. You can also use a manual pump or electric pump. Then, you can feed your baby using a small syringe or spoon.

Colostrum is your baby’s first milk. It is packed full of all the sugars, fats, vitamins, minerals, bacteria-fighting antibodies, and goodness for your baby to grow and be healthy. Though it comes in small amounts, it is designed perfectly by your body for your baby! 

If you want to learn more about how your body produces milk in those early days, check out our “Let’s Chat…Getting Started” post and follow us on social media.