Colostrum is the fluid secreted by the mammary glands during pregnancy and the first days after birth, precursor to breast milk. It is composed of immunoglobulins, water, proteins, fats and carbohydrates forming a serous and yellow liquid.
Colostrum provides the baby with everything they need in their first days of life, nutritionally speaking. Many times we think (or hear) that colostrum does not feed the baby, that it is not enough, that "it is water" ... but nothing is further from reality.
Colostrum is adjusted to the specific needs of the newborn, fulfilling all these functions:
- It facilitates the elimination of meconium, the first stool of the baby.
It facilitates the reproduction of lactobacillus bifid, a predominant bacterium in the intestine of the infant that protects it from pathogenic germs.
The antioxidants and quinones that colostrum contains are necessary to protect the baby from oxidative damage and hemorrhagic disease.
- Immunoglobulins they cover the immature inner lining of the digestive tract, preventing the adhesion of bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogens.
- The small volume of colostrum allows the child to progressively organize his functional triptych, suction-swallowing-breathing. That is, it is "doing practices" to breastfeed.
- Growth factors stimulate the maturation of the child's own systems.
- Immature kidneys of the neonate cannot handle large volumes of liquid.
- Both colostrum volume and osmolarity are appropriate to maturity.
So with a little patience until the rise of "definitive" milk, the baby in normal conditions (term and healthy birth) does not need anything other than this milk to feed properly. Neither the quantity nor the composition is inadequate but they conform to the requirements of the baby.
Colostrum is scarce but sufficient, because babies are born with specific "reserves" waiting for milk to rise. Colostrum gives the newborn everything he needs.
