The pregnant body must do several things to ensure the baby within it will be provided for upon birth. This includes the growth and further development of the breasts in preparation for milk production. Around the third to fourth month of gestation, colostrum begins to form, considered a mother’s “first milk” and a liquid that delivers optimal nutrition to a newborn.
A pregnant woman may be surprised to find that she is leaking colostrum late in pregnancy, even before birth, but this is perfectly normal. She may be further surprised by its appearance, which is much different from other types of milk, as well.
What Does Colostrum Look Like?
Unlike the milk we buy from the grocery store, colostrum is less fluid and not white. Instead, it is somewhat sticky, with a color ranging from as clear as water to a rich yellow.
In other words, if you poured it into a glass, no one, other than those with prior experience with human lactation, would think it was a form of milk. Many first-time mothers may be similarly confused.
Why Is There So Little Colostrum?
In addition to their milk’s appearance, those who give birth sometimes worry about the amount of colostrum they produce and whether or not their baby is getting enough to drink.
Rest assured that the body, in most instances, knows what it is doing. In the absence of a doctor’s concern, the small quantity made should be the perfect amount for a baby.
In fact, at birth, a baby’s stomach has a minimal capacity, and his or her digestive system has not yet matured; feedings of one to two teaspoons of this rich liquid are about all his or her tiny system can handle.
The quantity produced will increase with the baby’s needs and ability to digest it, and colostrum will eventually mix with more mature milk approximately two to five days postpartum. Mature milk is creamier with a whiter color, an appearance much more similar to what most would expect when they think of milk.
- A video about breast milk and the difference between Colostrum, Foremilk & Hindmilk -
Why Is Colostrum Called Liquid Gold?
Although produced in limited quantities, colostrum packs a hefty nutritional punch in every drop. It is perfectly balanced with many active health-promoting ingredients mixed masterfully in a way that only nature can. A baby will have complete nutrition for all its needs with high amounts of quality proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Because of its high protein levels, colostrum helps a baby fight off infection and stabilizes blood sugar. Its antibody and white blood cell content also give a significant boost to a newborn’s immune system.
Further, colostrum is mildly laxative. A baby’s first stools, referred to as meconium, are typically darkly colored, thick, and sticky, and this first milk assists with what could otherwise be a more difficult task of eliminating it from the digestive system.
Further, jaundice is not uncommon among newborns, and it is much more likely to occur in the absence of frequent bowel movements. Therefore, colostrum also helps prevent this condition by promoting the elimination of meconium and its wastes. And, as it does this, it simultaneously introduces beneficial bacteria throughout the digestive system.
For these reasons and more, all babies thrive when given colostrum. However, there is evidence that it is particularly important in the case of premature infants. Without the protective and enriching effects of his or her mother’s milk, a premature baby given formula will vomit more frequently and require tube feeding for longer.
Breastfeeding Difficulties
Sometimes a mother and baby may have some trouble developing a breastfeeding relationship. For instance, a baby may have difficulty at first with latching on correctly to nurse. In these instances, the potency of colostrum is very advantageous.
Mothers can hand express even a tiny bit of colostrum that can be fed using a spoon or syringe. This will readily give a baby all the benefits he or she needs.
By the time more mature milk sets in a few days following birth, hopefully, a baby will have had enough time to become more successful at breastfeeding, or bottle feeding may begin.
Expect the Unexpected
What does colostrum look like? Most likely, not what you’d think! Nothing about colostrum resembles what most people visualize when thinking of milk, from its color to its consistency to its composition.
It is a virtual liquid powerhouse filled with antibodies and white blood cells to protect against disease and infection. It also has laxative effects and clears a baby’s system of wastes to prevent jaundice, a prevalent condition among newborns. Finally, it provides every nutrient in the right quantity and balance to be easily digestible and available to a baby as he or she grows. It is nature’s way of providing a baby the best chance for a great start in life.