Colostrum benefits for baby have a lot. Because colostrum is an incredible superfood, packed with nutrients, antibodies, and even with white blood cells to give tender vulnerable babies a huge boost of protection against the outside world of germs and microbes. Unlike mature breastmilk, which is thin and watery, colostrum is thick, sticky, and yellow or cream-colored.
Colostrum Benefits of Your Newborn
Within a few minutes after your baby is born, breastfeeding can begin. Although all infants benefit from colostrum, premature babies who take colostrum from the mother’s breast have “better health outcomes” than those who do not.
- It helps your baby build strong immune systems (which contain antibodies and white blood cells).
- It builds up a heavy coat on your baby’s stomach and intestines to keep germs away from causing illness and to prevent inflammation.
- Act as a laxative to help your baby pass meconium (the first black poop).
- It helps prevent jaundice and removes harmful waste. Learn more about breastfeeding and jaundice.
- It gives your baby’s brain, eyes, and heart the right combination of nutrients to grow.
- It has high levels of protein, salt, fat, and nutritious vitamins.
- Complete the nutrients that your baby’s stomach can easily digest. It is the perfect food for your newborn baby.
- It helps prevent low blood sugar in newborns.
How Enough Is It?
It is common to make only 1-4 teaspoons of colostrum per day. Remember, your baby’s stomach can only be the size of a marble, so too much nutrition may look small. Learning to suck and swallow milk is easy with small amounts. If your baby is unable to breastfeed at first, handcuff colostrum for your baby. A hand that produces colostrum usually produces more volume than using a chest pump in the early stages.
The amount of colostrum you make is good for your baby. The amount your child drinks will increase day by day. The availability of your milk will increase as your baby’s stomach grows so be sure to breastfeed your baby as often as he or she wants to help your milk start and stay firm.
When Do I Stop Producing Colostrum?
Your body will produce colostrum only about 2-5 days after birth. After this, “temporary milk” enters – this is a mixture of colostrum and more mature milk. During the temporary supply of milk, your newborn baby starts to stretch and can now eat more milk at a time.
FAQ
Is colostrum good for baby?
Colostrum is a highly concentrated form of breast milk that contains immune-boosting properties for your newborn. It's packed with protein, salts, antibodies, and protective properties, all of which are beneficial for your baby.
Why is it important that newborns receive colostrum from the mother what is colostrum?
Immunization: With powerful immune-boosting properties, colostrum contains antibodies and provides protection against environmental germs and internal inflammation (it helps to destroy those harmful microorganisms!) It contributes significantly to the healthy, long-term development of your baby.
Is Colostrum the most important part of breastfeeding?
Colostrum, the first milk you produce when starting breastfeeding, is the ideal nourishment for a newborn. It's highly concentrated, full of protein and nutrient-dense – so a little goes a long way in your baby's tiny tummy.
Does your body make more colostrum?
Holding a tiny newborn for the first time makes it clear just how fragile they are, and how susceptible they are to germs, but with colostrum, they get a little extra boost. However, your body only produces a very small amount of it because your baby's stomach is so small.
What is the benefit of colostrum?
Colostrum promotes growth and health in infants and newborn animals, but research shows that taking bovine colostrum supplements may promote immunity, help fight infections, and improve gut health throughout life.
