My doctor said my baby will get colostrum before my milk comes in. What is colostrum and why is it so special?
If there was such a thing as a magical substance, colostrum would be it! Colostrum is the ideal first food for all babies. It is packed with amazing ingredients that give babies the best start in life. Even moms who don’t plan to breastfeed for long should consider nursing in the hospital so baby can benefit from this nutritional powerhouse.
Moms begin producing colostrum about half-way through their pregnancy. For more information on making milk, click here.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding colostrum.
What does colostrum look like?
Answer: Yellowish (referred to as liquid gold), thick and sticky. It can sometimes appear clear or white.
What’s in it?
Answer: Nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antibodies, antioxidants, protein, growth factors, white blood cells and so much more.
Is infant formula similar?
Answer: While formula is a safe alternative to breastfeeding, it is best to think of formula as a medical tool to be used only if necessary. While it does have nutrients and vitamins, the other components in colostrum/breast milk cannot be replicated into formula.
How does it benefit my baby?
Answer: It strengthens the immune system, helps prevent low blood sugar, is easy to digest, promotes a healthy gut by coating the intestines and has a laxative effect to help baby clear meconium, which lessens their chances of jaundice.
How much is enough?
Answer: Colostrum is highly concentrated and nutrient-dense, so a little bit goes a long way! 1-2 teaspoons at a feeding is all that is needed to fill your baby’s tiny tummy. The small amount doesn’t overwhelm babies, giving them time to learn to coordinate their sucking, swallowing and breathing at the same time.
When does it change?
Answer: Although colostrum stays in your breast milk for several weeks after baby is born, milk “comes in” about 2-4 days after birth at a higher volume. Baby’s tummy has now grown to the size of a strawberry and is able to hold the extra amount. Mature milk has countless benefits for your baby too, and the more frequently and effectively baby breastfeeds, the more plentiful your milk supply.
Should I express some colostrum during pregnancy to have on hand later?
Answer: This is often unnecessary and can be potentially dangerous for both you and your baby, increasing the risk of preterm labor. In special circumstances, and with the guidance of your doctor, prenatal hand expression to collect colostrum can be beneficial. In most pregnancies it is not needed or recommended.
What if my baby won’t latch well? Should I pump and give them colostrum in a bottle?
Answer: Some babies latch right away after birth with ease, while others need time to learn how to get a good, deep latch that effectively removes colostrum. Skin-to-skin contact after delivery activates babies’ natural instincts to find the breast and latch well. If your baby isn’t latching well, begin hand expressing (which is more effective at removing colostrum than pumping) within the first two hours after delivery. This will preserve and build your future milk supply. Ask a lactation consultant or trained nurse to help feed baby your colostrum using an alternative feeding method so they don’t develop a preference for a bottle. Usually, the taste of the colostrum makes baby more eager to latch next time. For more information on how to get breastfeeding off to a good start, click here.
Great job educating yourself! Reach out to your peer counselor anytime with questions!
SOURCE:
https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/colostrum-general/