Introduction
Breast milk is the mother’s milk that is produced by new mothers. It is best for the newborn, and experts recommend breastfeeding newborns exclusively for six months. Colostrum is the first form of the mother’s breast milk that is released by the mammary glands immediately after birth. This colostrum is nutrient dense and high in antibodies, which help build a newborn’s immune system. Colostrum changes to normal breast milk within two to four days after the infant is born. It is yellow and thicker than traditional breast milk.
What Is Colostrum and What Is It Made Of?
Colostrum is the first milk that the body produces during pregnancy. It forms in the mammary gland and plays an important role in building a child’s immunity. If a woman plans to breastfeed, this is the first milk that oozes out after birth. If a woman does not breastfeed or if the child is facing difficulty breastfeeding, the mother can express the colostrum. It is high in minerals, vitamins, and immunoglobulins. It is also addressed as liquid gold due to its rich, golden color and immense benefits.
Colostrum is protein-rich and low in sugar and fat. It is rich in white blood cells that produce antibodies. These antibodies strengthen the immune system in babies and protect them from infection. Even tiny doses of colostrum can offer immense benefits, so the baby does not need to fill the entire tummy to gain nutrition. It is made of nutrients like:
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Immunoglobulin A (antibody).
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White blood cells.
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Epidermal growth factor ( It is a protein that stimulates cell growth).
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Lactoferrin (a protein that prevents infection).
The colostrum gets color from vitamin A and carotenoids. These vitamins play a vital role in the skin, immune system, and a baby’s vision. It is rich in magnesium, which supports infants, bones, and the heart, and contains zinc and copper, which support immunity.
How Does Colostrum Benefit the Newborn?
Within minutes after the infant is born, the mother can start breastfeeding. All babies benefit from colostrum; preterm babies can intake colostrum from the mother’s breast and have significantly better health outcomes. The benefits of colostrum are:
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Colostrum creates a tough coating on the baby’s stomach and intestine that keeps germs from causing illness and prevents inflammation.
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It acts as a laxative that helps the baby pass meconium (the first poop).
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Colostrum helps in building a baby’s immune system.
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It helps in preventing jaundice and gets rid of harmful waste products.
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It gives the brain, eyes, and heart the right blend of nutrients to grow.
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Contains high levels of salts, fats, protein, and vitamins that provide complete nutrition.
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It helps in preventing low blood sugar in newborns.
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It provides complete nutrition to the baby’s stomach and can easily digest. It acts as a perfect food for the newborn.
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Colostrum has a mild laxative effect. When the baby is in the uterus, they have a substance called meconium, the baby has to pass this initial poop as soon as possible. Colostrum signals the gut that it is time to start working. Once the milk starts changing its color to mature milk, meconium; also changes its color from black to sludgy green and then yellow.
What Happens if Colostrum Does Not Come Right Away?
There are many reasons why milk supply after delivery is delayed. This can happen in the following conditions:
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A condition where the baby is born prematurely.
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When the mother has certain medical conditions and is undertaking certain medications.
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When the baby is born via C-section without labor.
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When the medical condition requires, the baby and mother can be separated after birth.
The first three days are critical for both mother and baby to adapt to good lactation and to determine what is normal and what is not. The body begins to produce colostrum between 12 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Individuals produce an ounce of colostrum (a tablespoon) within the initial 24 hours of delivery. This increases until transitional milk comes in around the third or fourth day. It is a rare condition where colostrum production is hindered. Confirmation that the baby is getting enough colostrum can be obtained by checking on the baby’s weight and wetting diapers.
What Are the Possible Causes of Low Milk Supply in Lack of Colostrum in New Mothers?
The possible causes of low milk supply are:
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When a baby is not fed effectively at the breast.
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When the baby is not fed enough, at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
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When the baby is not attached well to the mother’s breast, this can also cause nipple pain and damage.
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When the mother has recently had mastitis.
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When the new mother has undergone breast surgery, that affects the milk supply.
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If the formula milk is started along with breastfeeding.
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When the mother has a habit of smoking cigarettes.
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If over-the-counter medications and herbal preparations for flu or cold are taken by new mothers, it can reduce the supply.
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Only in rare conditions, there may be no milk or milk production in new mothers due to underlying medical conditions. This occurs in less than five percent of new mothers.
Conclusion
The initial connection between the mother and infant is much more important physically and psychologically and benefits both mother and infant. This initial touch and embarrassment initiates and promotes milk production and also helps the baby to latch and get aware of the smell of mother and milk. Colostrum is the initial milk that oozes out from the breast and is produced by mammary glands after delivery of the baby. It is rich in antioxidants and antibodies. Generally, the milk supply increases as the baby feeds more. So, the new mother should not be worried about whether the new baby is getting enough milk or not. Breastfeeding in the initial stages requires assistance and difficulty, so feel free to reach a healthcare provider in case of need or help. Feeding breast milk to newborns is the best way to make sure the baby gets many benefits from the colostrum.
