What is Colostrum and What are Its Benefits?
Characteristics of Early Breast Milk for Breastfeeding Mothers
Aug 8, 2009 Katherine Brind'Amour
After giving birth (and even during pregnancy), a woman's breasts first produce colostrum, a thick, sticky, yellow or orange liquid. This liquid is called colostrum, and it is the perfect first food for a baby, as it is very easy to digest.
There may only be a few teaspoons available at a time over the first few days after the baby is born. There is a much smaller amount of this liquid than of regular breast milk, but colostrum will gradually give way to regular milk, which is thin and white, if the mother breastfeeds the baby early and often (8 times each 24 hours, or more if possible).
What is in Colostrum?
Colostrum contains important antibodies and nutrients for a newborn baby; it is high in carbohydrates and protein but low in fat, and will help the baby pass his or her first stools, which is important to prevent jaundice.
The antibodies contained in colostrum serve as vaccines, allowing the mother to pass on immunity to her baby from many germs that could otherwise harm him or her. There is a much higher concentration of these antibodies in colostrum than there is in mature breast milk, which will help protect the baby from dangerous bacteria and viruses.
In addition, colostrum contains cholesterol, potassium, sodium, and chloride that newborns need for healthy brain, heart, and central nervous system development. Colostrum is also very high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Is Colostrum Better than Formula for Babies?
Though there is very little colostrum, there is the perfect amount to satisfy a newborn, as the stomach of a newborn is about the size of a marble. As the baby's stomach grows, so will the mother's milk supply. As long as the baby is able to breastfeed often, the colostrum is the only food a brand new baby needs.
In addition, colostrum has about thirty components that are exclusive to human breast milk. While many formulas contain lots of excellent nutrients for newborns, none contain the number and quality of ingredients that colostrum and breast milk have naturally. Perhaps most importantly, formula cannot pass on the antibodies and immunities that colostrum can.
Scientists believe that the ingredients of colostrum help coat and protect the developing digestive system, laying the groundwork for future healthy development and proper digestion. They may also prevent the infant from becoming sensitive to certain foods passed on to the baby from the mother's diet.
The proteins in colostrum also help maintain a healthy blood sugar level in babies (particularly for infants whose mothers experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy), as well as necessary ingredients for psychological development and general nutrition.
Colostrum production lasts longer in mothers who deliver prematurely, allowing an extended period during which highly concentrated nutrients can be passed to the baby for optimal health.
In short, yes, colostrum and breast milk are better for babies than formula. Research shows that avoiding formula by exclusively breastfeeding decreases the likelihood of the child developing allergies, diabetes mellitus, and a variety of other ailments later in life.
The nutrients in breast milk foster healthy and appropriate development mentally and physically for babies. Feeding a baby formula can actually break down the protective barrier in the intestinal tract by fostering the growth of different, and less healthy, flora.
Reference and Sources for More Information on Colostrum
Penchuk, Ellen. "The Importance of Colostrum." La Leche League International.
"What is Colostrum? How Does it Benefit My Baby?" FAQs, La Leche League International.
Colostrum Keeps Babies Healthy
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