If you have ever heard of colostrum, you probably know that it is also called “liquid gold”. It has that nickname for good reason. This liquid is packed with nutrients to support your baby’s needs and provide protection. Colostrum may be tiny in volume, but it offers huge benefits for your baby.
What is colostrum?
After birth, the first milk available to your baby is called colostrum.1 This incredible source of nutrition comes in small doses but is exactly what the baby needs. It is a thick liquid full of proteins, minerals and antibodies.2.3 This early milk provides your newborn with nutrients and at the same time is an important protection against infections.4 Antibodies pass from the mother through colostrum and are key to the protection it provides.
Some may be worried about the amount their baby is receiving of this liquid gold and think that it is not enough. We are so used to seeing babies with large amounts of milk or formula that it can be confusing. It is important to know that a baby’s stomach is small. They do not require large amounts of food in the first few days of life. Their stomachs will slowly grow. The small amount is just what your baby needs to feed him while he learns to breastfeed. In the first few days, your baby will also learn the basics of breastfeeding more easily; Sucking, swallowing and breathing.5
When does colostrum come into play and how long does it last?
Here’s a cool fact: women start producing colostrum during pregnancy.7 This usually begins between weeks 12 and 18.5.6 Once a baby is born, the mother’s body stores colostrum and continues to produce it for the first three to four days after birth.2,8,9 It is the first milk before the breast milk comes in completely.2 Isn’t it amazing what our bodies can do to prepare for our baby’s needs right at birth? Because colostrum is made during pregnancy, some women may collect it even in the last few weeks before the baby is born. In certain circumstances, it may be beneficial to have colostrum available. This is something you may want to talk to your healthcare team about and should be discussed before attempting it yourself.10
How does it look?
As previously mentioned, colostrum is often referred to as “liquid gold.” This name comes not only from the benefits it offers but also from the color. When expressed, colostrum milk has a yellowish, golden color.1 It is thick and can only be squeezed out in a few drops the first time. Even if the amount of colostrum is not large, it is still exactly what a baby needs.8th
What are the advantages?
Because colostrum contains so many nutrients and antibodies, the benefits your baby receives from it are truly incredible. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Ensure optimal nutrition6
- Support and development of the immune system6
- Lining of the intestines to keep germs away5
- Maintaining blood sugar levels6
- I help the baby pass Meconium and reducing the risk of jaundice by helping to eliminate bilirubin through bowel movements6.9
Colostrum vs. Breast Milk: What’s the Difference?
Colostrum is the first milk a mother’s body produces. Within three to four days, colostrum changes from a thick, yellowish liquid to milk, which is thinner and whiter.2
Colostrum has been found to be richer in proteins and minerals than milk. In contrast, Breast milk contains more carbohydrates, sugar, fats and certain vitamins. Milk’s higher fat, carbohydrate and lactose content is necessary to support the baby’s growth and provide him with energy. Breast milk also provides more calories than colostrum.6
Should you use a colostrum supplement?
If your baby has difficulty latching or cannot breastfeed for another reason, colostrum can be expressed by hand. It’s always a good idea to ask your healthcare team for assistance with this process to show you the proper technique to help you be successful. Once the colostrum is expressed, it can be given to your baby by cup, spoon or even a syringe. Even if your baby cannot breastfeed, it will be beneficial for him to receive the liquid treat.11
Nowadays there are nutritional supplements on the market, mostly bovine colostrum. If you are unable to express colostrum on your own, this may be an option you should explore. As with introducing a supplement to your little one, it is important to discuss introducing a supplement with your medical team before using it. Upon recommendation, they can help you find the best nutritional supplement for your child.
Given the tremendous health benefits that colostrum offers your little one, it truly deserves the nickname “liquid gold.” The nutrients and antibodies it contains help protect your little one from the start. If you have any questions about colostrum, contact your healthcare team.
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