Colostrum is the first milk a woman produces to breastfeed her baby for the first 2 to 4 days after delivery. This breast milk accumulates in the alveolar cells of the breasts during the last months of pregnancy, characterized by a yellow color, in addition to being caloric and nutritious.
Colostrum promotes the growth and health of the newborn, strengthens the relationship between mother and baby and contributes to the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it stimulates the baby’s immune system, ensuring antibodies that prevent the development of diseases such as allergy or diarrhoea, for example, and reduces the risk of childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Colostrum has the macro and micronutrients necessary to maintain the nutritional status of the baby and promote its growth.
- Characterized by its richness in proteins.
- Mainly immunoglobulins.
- Antimicrobial petids.
- Antibodies and other bioactive molecules that have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that help stimulate and develop the immune system of the baby.
- Protecting it from various diseases.
In addition, colostrum is yellow because it is rich in carotenoids, which rapidly transform into vitamin A in the body, which also plays a fundamental role in the immune system and visual health, as well as acting as an antioxidant that helps to decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases.
The first breast milk is easily digestible, contributing to the development of the gastrointestinal system and favoring the establishment of a beneficial gut microbiota, in addition to being rich in electrolytes and zinc.
The characteristics of colostrum are adapted to the needs of the newborn. In addition, colostrum lasts only 2 or 3 days, when “milk rises” is produced and transitional milk begins, always with a yellowish color.
The following table shows the nutritional composition of colostrum and transitional milk and mature milk:
During breastfeeding, if the mother has a crack in her nipples, it is normal for colostrum to come out with blood but the baby can still breastfeed because it is not harmful to her.
Your doctor may recommend using a healing ointment for nipples during lactation that can prevent these cracks. However, the main cause of cracked nipples is a lack of adherence to breastfeeding. See the complete breastfeeding guide for beginners.