What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk your body makes while you are pregnant. It develops in your mammary glands (breasts) and is key to developing your baby's immune system. If you intend to nurse (breastfeed), it's the first milk from your breasts that your baby will receive. If you don't want to nurse or if your baby is having trouble nursing, you can express colostrum by hand. It's rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and immunoglobulins (antibodies) to support the development of your baby's immune system. It's even called "liquid gold" due to its thick, golden texture and precious benefits.

What is colostrum composed of?

Colostrum is rich in protein and low in fat and sugars. It's packed with white blood cells that create antibodies. These antibodies strengthen your baby's immune system, shielding them from infection. Colostrum is very concentrated and nutrient-dense, even in small amounts, so your baby's belly doesn't require much to get the benefits.

What does colostrum contain?

Colostrum is packed with nutrients that safeguard and feed your baby like nothing else. It contains such things as:

Immunoglobulin A (an antibody).
Lactoferrin (a protein that repels infection).
Leukocytes (white blood cells).
Epidermal growth factor (a protein that causes cells to grow).
It derives its color from carotenoids (an antioxidant) and vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential in your baby's vision, skin and immune system. Colostrum contains magnesium, which nourishes your baby's bones and heart, and copper and zinc, which reinforce immunity.

How is colostrum different from breast milk?

Colostrum is a nutrient-rich first milk produced by your breasts during pregnancy. It changes to transitional breast milk a few days after your baby is born. However, small amounts of colostrum remain in your breast milk for several weeks.

There are distinct differences between colostrum and breast milk:

Colostrum is filled with immunoglobins to boost your baby's immune system and protect it from illness.
Colostrum has two times as much protein.
Colostrum contains four times the amount of zinc.
Colostrum contains less fat and sugar and therefore is easier to digest.
The colostrum is thicker and yellow in colour.

What are the phases of breast milk?

There are three distinct phases of breast milk: colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk.

Colostrum: Your initial milk that lasts between two and four days post-birth.
Transitional milk: Starts around four days after birth and lasts around two weeks.
Mature milk: Milk that is sustained from around 14 days postpartum until you have finished producing milk.

When does colostrum become milk?

After approximately three or four days, colostrum will turn to transitional milk. This is often called someone's milk "coming in." Your breasts will feel firm, tender and full. It means your milk supply has ramped up. By this time your baby's stomach has expanded and they can drink more milk each feeding. Once your milk supply is established and your body has stabilized, transitional milk changes to mature milk.

Why does colostrum convert to breast milk?

The pregnancy hormones produced by the placenta assist you in producing colostrum. The progesterone hormone declines considerably as the placenta detaches from your uterus (after giving birth to your baby). This reduction in progesterone causes your breasts to produce milk.

What is colostrum used for?

Your breasts, or mammary glands, are designed to make milk to nourish your infant. Colostrum is more than the initial milk the baby will drink following delivery. It's extremely rich in nutrients and antibodies to combat infection and guard your infant. It gives a strong, special immunity that only colostrum can give. Since your infant requires only a small amount of colostrum, it also teaches them how to suck, swallow and breathe at feed time.

What are the advantages of colostrum?

Colostrum establishes your baby's immune system and offers concentrated nourishment. A number of the advantages of colostrum include:

Strengthens your baby's immune system.
Aids in creating a healthy digestive system by lining the intestines. This prevents harmful bacteria from being absorbed.
Provides perfect nourishment for a newborn.
Laxative effect that makes it easier for your baby to move out the meconium (your baby's initial stool) and reduces the likelihood of jaundice.
Easy to digest.
Prevents low blood sugar in full-term infants.

Why is colostrum beneficial for newborns?

Colostrum contains all the nutrition your baby requires in the initial days of life. It is also rich in nutrients and vitamins to build up your baby's immunity.

Your nipples secrete milk very slowly so your baby can practice breastfeeding (nursing). It is a skill that requires learning and takes time. Not only must your newborn figure out how to suck or swallow, but simultaneously breathe.

Does leaking colostrum indicate impending labor?

Leaking colostrum from your breasts does not indicate that labor is imminent. Leaking colostrum is the norm and some mothers experience it as early as the second trimester. Some do not even experience leaking colostrum while others find dried colostrum on their nipples. If you do leak colostrum, you can use disposable or cleanable breast pads.

Can you express colostrum when you are pregnant?

Colostrum can be expressed around week 37 during pregnancy and is helpful to some individuals. Compressing your breasts in a rhythm with your hands so that milk flows out is known as hand expressing. Expressing colostrum before the baby's arrival poses some risks, such as contractions or preterm labor. It can be helpful to those who are at risk for premature birth, insufficient milk supply or when some health conditions occur.

Talk to your healthcare provider before you drain colostrum from your breasts. If you are leaking colostrum, harvesting and depositing it for when your baby is born can be safe.

Can you pump colostrum?

Due to its thick texture, colostrum is difficult to pump with a breast pump. Most people find it recommended and prefer to use their hands to express colostrum. Hand-expressing colostrum tends to extract more colostrum than a pump.

How do I recognize I am producing colostrum?

Your body starts creating colostrum between 12 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Most individuals will have anywhere from a tablespoon to an ounce of colostrum during the first 24 hours of birth. This gradually builds up until transitional milk is available about the third or fourth day. Unless there is a problem with a milk letdown, you will rarely not have colostrum. In most situations, you won't know whether you're producing colostrum, though it's doubtful you can't produce colostrum. If you're sure that your baby is wetting diapers and gaining weight, then they are receiving colostrum.

How long do you have colostrum?

Your body makes colostrum for as long as five days after you have your baby. It shifts to transitional milk around that time, and shifts again to mature milk sometime after 14 days. Your breast milk contains traces of colostrum for as long as six weeks.

What if you don't make colostrum?

Most women will get some colostrum — not getting any is unusual. It's natural to feel that you're not getting anything from your breasts and that your baby isn't receiving enough. Your baby only needs a few teaspoons of colostrum to fill their small stomach.

How do you store pumped colostrum?

If you and your doctor both agree that it is safe to express and store colostrum, there are some guidelines to keep in mind. To start, make sure the colostrum is stored in a sterile syringe or container. It may be stored in your refrigerator for a couple of days or three. It needs to be transferred to a freezer after three days. Colostrum can be stored in a freezer for three months or longer.