Colostrum is the most valuable part of breast milk, which is excreted immediately after the baby is born. It is very important to feed the baby with this mixture in the first minutes of life, since the content of vitamins and nutrients in it is high and analogues in terms of the usefulness of colostrum have been invented.
Colostrum and pregnancy
Colostrum begins to be produced in a woman's body on average from the fourth month of pregnancy. It can go out through the nipples or simply be present in the body, it depends on the physiology and the amount of colostrum. From this period, the expectant mother can feel tingling sensations, "movements", itching in the chest. There is nothing wrong with that, the body develops the mammary glands, prepares them for feeding the baby. Colostrum can usually be seen after a night's sleep as small yellow droplets on the chest. These are good harbingers that the pregnancy is going well and that the expectant mother will have her own milk. It is not worth squeezing out colostrum, especially in the last stages of pregnancy, since contractions can be provoked. By the end of gestation, the amount of colostrum increases markedly, which shows the body's readiness for childbirth and motherhood.
The benefits of colostrum for the newborn
After childbirth, the amount of colostrum will decrease every day and will gradually be replaced by breast milk. The most valuable substances are initially found in colostrum, so it is customary to apply a baby to the breast immediately after birth. The process of transition to milk is visible to the naked eye, the yellow, viscous mixture gradually becomes lighter and more watery. You need to feed colostrum to the last drop, applying it to the breast several times a day, for this, the baby must constantly be with the mother.
For the baby's health, colostrum has a high value, both physical and psychological. Latching on to the breast in the first days of life helps to adapt to existence outside the womb, makes a smooth transition to breast milk. In terms of the composition of nutrients, colostrum is priceless! It contains a large amount of protein, hormones, antibodies and at the same time is low in sugar and fat. This mixture has a high nutritional value, has a beneficial effect on the immunity of the child. In parallel with this, the first milk has a laxative effect and helps cleanse the intestines of the newborn from meconium, straightens the intestines.
Scientists have found that children who were fed colostrum subsequently practically do not have diathesis, allergies and jaundice, and their immunity is higher.
For a woman in labor, feeding with colostrum also has its advantages, the number of postpartum complications decreases. The attachment to the breast helps to contract the uterus, reduces the amount of bleeding. The constant intake of colostrum by the infant in the early days guarantees a long lactation.