Colostrum – Stages and Benefit

What is Colostrum? 

The first stage of breast milk is colostrum. It develops during gestation and continues for a few days following delivery. Colostrum has a yellow, thick consistency or a clear, runny appearance. The mother’s colostrum is in the ideal composition and quantity.

Since colostrum is the first milk produced when a woman begins nursing, it is the best food for a newborn. A little amount of colostrum is enough for a baby’s stomach as it is highly concentrated, packed with protein and nutrient-dense. 

Colostrum is also low in fat, easy to digest and packed with nutrients that are best for a baby’s development. It is vital for strengthening the immune system of babies.

Compared to mature milk, colostrum appears thicker and more yellow. Colostrum is produced to meet the unique demands of infants.

Why is colostrum so important? 

Colostrum is a crucial component for the baby. Mothers can secrete colostrum during pregnancy, but hormonal changes in the body that promote lactation and the production of colostrum only occur after the delivery of the placenta. 

This enables the baby to start to feed right away. As the baby’s first food, it gives the infants the nutrition and nourishment they require. Also, this nutritious milk with powerful vitamins is specially formulated for the infant.

Colostrum renders impressive health benefits to babies. Colostrum is vital for the infant’s

• Immunisation
• Gut health
• Nutrient nourishment
• Body temperature regulation
• Natural laxative

Stages of Breast Milk

Colostrum milk  

Colostrum is the thick, yellow milk from the mother. The colour is due to β-Carotene content. This is the initial, thick milk the breasts produce during pregnancy and immediately after giving birth. 

Due to its rich yellow colour and high value for the baby, doctors may refer to it as “liquid gold”. Colostrum contains antibodies and is incredibly rich in nutrition that can shield the child from illnesses. Additionally, colostrum supports the development and health of the baby’s digestive system.

Transitional milk  

Transitional milk results from the gradual replacement of colostrum by mature breast milk. A lactating woman will produce transitional milk from 2 to 5 days after giving birth and up to 2 weeks after giving birth. 

The milk may gradually start to turn bluish-white, and one could also notice that the breasts get fuller and warmer. The breast milk adapts throughout this time to meet the baby’s demands. To increase milk production, nurse frequently, remove milk thoroughly and relieve engorgement.

Mature milk  

A woman begins producing mature milk ten to fifteen days after giving birth. It contains all nutrients the baby needs. 

As a mother breastfeeds an infant, the quantity of fat in mature milk fluctuates. Before moving to the second breast during a feeding, let the baby finish emptying the first one. As a result, the baby will receive the ideal combination of nutrients at each meal.

When does colostrum turn into milk? 

Colostrum transforms into transitional milk after about two to five days. Milk’s “coming in” is the term often used to refer to this. The breast tends to feel full, delicate and firm. 

It indicates an increase in the milk supply. The baby can then consume more milk at each meal because their stomach has grown by this stage. Transitional milk turns into mature milk once milk production is established and stabilised.

Purpose of Colostrum 

The mammary glands in the breasts are responsible for producing milk. Colostrum has far more benefits than just being the first milk from the mother.

It contains many nutrients and antibodies to fight infection and safeguard the baby. It offers a potent, special immunity. The infant only requires a small amount of colostrum during feedings. Feeding also aids in their development of sucking, swallowing and breathing skills.

Nutrients in Colostrum 

Immunoglobulin A 

The primary and most significant antibody in breast milk is secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA levels are low when babies are born. Their immune system produces more IgA as they develop, and their levels gradually increase. 

When a newborn breastfeeds, the breast milk gives them significant levels of IgA. IgA is crucial because it coats and seals the baby’s digestive and respiratory systems to keep infections out of their bodies and bloodstream. 

The IgA antibodies can protect the baby from several diseases, including those arising due to bacteria, viruses, fungus and parasites.

Lactoferrin 

Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is filled with a lot of lactoferrin, roughly seven times more than milk produced subsequently. Intestinal iron absorption and iron transport to cells are both regulated by lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin guards against bacterial infections, stopping bacterial growth by depriving them of vital nutrients or eradicating bacterial life by rupturing their cell walls. 

Breastfed newborns are thought to be more resistant to bacterial infections thanks to the lactoferrin found in the mother’s milk. Additionally, lactoferrin plays a role in controlling bone marrow function (myelopoiesis) and strengthening the immune system.

Leukocytes  

Leukocytes in colostrum primarily provide active immunity and aid in the infant’s immunocompetence development, but it’s also likely that they defend the mammary gland from disease. Beginning during pregnancy and continuing postnatally during breastfeeding, the mother transfers immunological factors to the child.

Epidermal growth factor  

The milk-derived peptide growth factor known as the epidermal growth factor is responsible for promoting intestine development and cell differentiation in newborns. It is essential to a baby’s ability to adjust to life outside the mother’s womb.

Benefits of Colostrum  

Strengthens baby’s immune system

An infant’s immune system is not fully formed at birth. As the baby grows older, it becomes stronger. Throughout our lives, the immune system defends us against pathogens that could harm us.

During the third trimester (the final three months of pregnancy), the placenta transfers the mother’s antibodies to the developing foetus. When the baby is born, the mother’s antibodies aid in preventing the newborn from contracting diseases. 

The type of antibodies a mother passes on to her child depends on her own level of immunity. More antibodies are given to the infant via the colostrum and breast milk after birth.

Helps to establish a healthy gut by coating the intestines 

Colostrum helps the baby’s digestive tract by promoting healthy gut flora and preventing the formation of harmful germs. The small intestine can absorb the nutrients in the colostrum and helps pass the baby’s first stool, known as meconium. 

Colostrum is also a rich source of other immunologic elements and growth factors that promote the development of the baby’s intestine’s protective mucous membranes. Meanwhile, the prebiotics in colostrum nourishes and strengthen the healthy bacteria in the baby’s stomach.

The IgA in the colostrum coats and seals the baby’s digestive and respiratory systems to keep infections at bay. 

Offers ideal nutrition

The yellow colour of colostrum is a result of the carotenoids and vitamin A content in it. Since vitamin A insufficiency is a major contributor to blindness, vitamin A is crucial for the baby’s vision as well as the health of the skin and immune system. 

Colostrum helps compensate for the lack of vitamin A that babies often have at birth. The first three days are important for starting breastfeeding.

Minerals like magnesium, which promotes the baby’s heart and bones, as well as copper and zinc, which boost the growth of his immune system, are also abundant in colostrum.

Zinc helps the brain develop, and colostrum contains roughly four times as much zinc as mature milk to assist the quickly developing brain of the newborn.

Diarrhoea

Colostrum has proven to help with diarrhoea symptoms. However, there is a need for greater research on some of the benefits that have been claimed.

It can reduce the frequency of loose stools linked to diarrhoea and is suitable for newborn babies.

Prevents Jaundice

In addition to preventing stomach problems, colostrum also functions as a laxative, helping the newborn to excrete frequently. This aids in helping the baby pass meconium, or dark, sticky stools.

Regular pooping also lowers a baby’s risk of developing neonatal jaundice. Red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body, are abundant when the baby is born. 

The baby’s liver assists in processing these cell breakdowns, resulting in the production of bilirubin as a byproduct. When bilirubin isn’t processed by the baby’s liver properly, it builds up in the body and causes jaundice. Colostrum’s laxative effects aid the infant in eliminating bilirubin from their faeces.

Conclusion 

Colostrum is the dark lemon-coloured fluid that the breasts release during the first few days after giving birth. Colostrum possesses less sugar, fat and more minerals and protein than mature milk. 

Colostrum contains antibodies and immunoglobulin A that help shield the baby against gastrointestinal infections. Human colostrum contains additional host resistance components such as macrophages, lymphocytes, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozymes.

The nutrients in human colostrum aid the immune system in protecting against bacteria, infections and disease in the early stages of a baby’s life.

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