Colostrum: The "liquid gold" of breast milk
What is colostrum? You may have heard the word colostrum used in conversations about nursing. Colostrum is the word we use for the very first milk produced by mammals, including humans, during late pregnancy and the early days after giving birth. It is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors, designed to nourish and protect newborns.
When will I see colostrum? Colostrum is sometimes visible during pregnancy either spontaneously (leaking) or via hand expression. Many don’t see colostrum until after baby is born and they are nursing their newborn. Don’t worry if you are not seeing or leaking colostrum during pregnancy; seeing colostrum, or not, during pregnancy has no bearing on your future milk supply.
What's so great about colostrum? Colostrum is remarkable because it provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune factors crucial for newborn growth and immune system development. It is particularly high in protein, which helps support the rapid growth and development of a newborn. It offers passive immunity, aids in clearing the baby's digestive system, and supports the maturation of various organs. Basically, it’s baby’s first SUPERFOOD.
FUN FACT
Colostrum is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its remarkable nutritional and immune-boosting properties for newborns.
Should I collect colostrum ahead of time? It is generally not necessary to collect colostrum ahead of time unless advised by a healthcare professional for specific medical reasons. Colostrum is best utilized by the baby directly from the breast in the early days after birth. However, some women with certain medical conditions or concerns may choose to express and store colostrum before birth.
What can I do if my baby is not nursing right away? If your baby is not nursing right away, you can try gentle skin-to-skin contact, offer the breast frequently, and consult with our Lactation Consultants at Des Moines Midwife Collective. There are still ways to help babies get colostrum even when nursing is delayed. Our team can assist with hand expression, and syringe or cup feeding, to ensure your baby benefits from early colostrum intake while working to get nursing off to a good start.