Fascination Colostrum

Even during pregnancy, when your little explorer is still cozy in the womb, colostrum forms in your body. The pre-milk will ensure that your baby's immune system develops in the first days of life. Even the first milk makes a significant contribution to protecting your baby from infections and supporting optimal development. We will reveal which ingredients make colostrum so valuable and how long it is produced by your body.

Colostrum – what is it actually?

Are you engaging more intensively with the during your pregnancy? Breastfeeding , you can't escape this Colostrum – also called pre-milk, first milk, or newborn milk – Don't hesitate. Whether doctors or midwives: everyone will tell you how valuable this first milk after birth is for your newborn. But what exactly is colostrum?

You can recognize colostrum mainly by its yellow color, which is due to its high beta-carotene content: it is no coincidence that it is also called liquid gold designates. The consistency of colostrum also differs from that of later mature breast milk, as it is significantly thicker. Even before birth, your body prepares to feed your child and produces pre-milk in the mammary glands. It will be the first nourishment your baby consumes outside the womb – therefore, it must perform a great task and optimally prepare the newborn for the outside world. For this reason, colostrum has long served your little explorer not just as food . The baby's immune system is also built up through colostrum. What is special is that the pre-milk even adapts to the individual needs and developmental stage of your newborn. This way, your baby receives exactly the nutrients it needs after birth. Amazing, isn't it? :)

What is colostrum made of?

Colostrum acts like a first vaccination for your baby, as it contains numerous vitamins and nutrients that help your little explorer develop a strong immune system in the after birth:

• Vitamin A supports your baby's vision and also promotes healthy skin and a strong immune system.

• Immunoglobulin A strengthens the child's immune system and ensures that your little explorer's body is protected from pathogens, viruses, and bacteria.

• Magnesium ensures that the heart and bones of your baby develop optimally.

• Eisen, Zink und Kupfer support the immune defense, with zinc also supporting brain development.

• Special proteins, known as interferons , stimulate the immune system, counteract viruses, and inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

• Only a small amount of lactose and fat is contained in colostrum, because large amounts would overwhelm your newborn's delicate stomach. This makes colostrum perfectly adapted to your newborn's still sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

Why is colostrum important for my baby?

All things breastfeeding and the breastfeeding period are surrounded by numerous . Perhaps you have also been advised to avoid certain foods during breastfeeding to protect your newborn from allergies. Or you were recommended to limit coffee, as it can affect the composition of breast milk. One thing is certain: if you consume these treats and foods mindfully, your intake will not affect the breast milk – not even colostrum.

These effects make colostrum so important for your baby:

• Reduction of stress caused by childbirth and enhancement of well-being

• Prevention and Control of Infections

• Support in the elimination of the child's waste and thereby promote metabolism

• Support for growth and development

For Preterm infants is colostrum particularly valuable. Since pre-milk is produced as early as the 16th week of pregnancy, it can even Care for infants who are born before the due date Expected delivery date to be born . The best part: At this time, colostrum still contains more nutrients and therefore provides your baby with immune factors for an even longer period.

If you have decided not to breastfeed your newborn and instead give him the , that is completely fine. You should still try to give your little explorer the colostrum whenever possible. You can initially express it by hand. Your midwife can show you the best way to do this.

What distinguishes colostrum from later breast milk?

Breast milk is a true wonder of nature. It manages to provide your baby with all the essential nutrients from day one. During breastfeeding, it changes more frequently and adapts to the needs of your child . This is how colostrum becomes transitional milk, and in the next step, mature breast milk develops, which will nourish your baby in the first months of life.

The ingredients of colostrum differ from the composition of breast milk, which develops approximately 14 days after birth. Less carbohydrates, fat, and lactose, but even more proteins ensure that your newborn's sensitive gastrointestinal tract is gently introduced to the food.

When and for how long is colostrum produced?

Already in the middle of pregnancy, approximately from the 16th week of pregnancy , it can lead to the formation of colostrum in the female body. The milk glands are already so well developed at this time that you could feed your baby. However, placental hormones suppress the production of larger amounts of breast milk. If pre-milk leaks during pregnancy – which, by the way, does not happen in all pregnant women – this is therefore no cause for concern. You can find out from your midwife or your gynecologist how to best handle the leaking colostrum before birth. You can also discuss with them whether and how you can express the pre-milk during pregnancy.

After about two to four days You will notice a change in the breast milk: it becomes significantly thinner and the yellowish color changes to white. The so-called transitional milk will nourish your newborn for about 10 to 14 days before mature breast milk comes in. The first milk let-down (initial breast swelling) also causes your breasts to become fuller and feel firmer – in the first few days, this can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful.

How can I collect and express the colostrum?

If you express the colostrum and give it to your newborn, your baby's immune system can develop optimally. Here's how you can express the colostrum:

• Wash your hands before expressing the pre-milk to prevent contamination of the colostrum by germs or bacteria.

• Promote the circulation of your chest with a warm compress and then start a breast massage. Use gentle circular motions from the outside inward.

• You can best collect the colostrum with a 2 or 5 ml syringe, which is drawn at the udder.
  

Whether you breastfeed your little explorer after birth or give them a bottle: colostrum is extremely valuable for newborns, so you should definitely give it to your baby. If you have any questions about pre-milk and its extraction, it's best to contact your midwife directly, as her experience can provide helpful tips. We already wish you a wonderful bonding time with your little one.