Colostrum is the precursor fluid for breast milk . It is secreted by the mammary glands during pregnancy and the days immediately after delivery, and provides the baby with everything it needs in those first days of life.
Colostrum is composed of immunoglobulins, water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and other components, forming a serous and yellow liquid, although its composition is not always exactly the same.
Today we are going to talk about colostrum, also known as “liquid gold.” We explain why it is so important for the baby and what we must take into account so that our newborn benefits from it.
The precalostro
The precalostrum occurs during pregnancy. The breasts are prepared during pregnancy for lactation, and one of the results is this secretion that precedes colostrum and mature milk.
It is a mammary secretion in the lumen of the alveoli, composed of exudate of plasma, sodium, chlorine, cells, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, serum albumin and a small amount of lactose.
This “first milk” is produced as the cells in the center of the alveoli dissolve and flow through the mammary ducts until they reach the nipple, and it may be common to have small losses of colostrum during pregnancy.
Colostrum
Colostrum is produced in the first three to four days after delivery . It is a thick, yellowish fluid, made up of precalostrum that mixes with the milk that begins to be produced. Its volume reaches between two to 20 milliliters per intake in the first three postpartum days, enough to meet the needs of the newborn.
Colostrum contains about 54 Kcal per 100 milliliters, 2.9 grams per 100 milliliters of fat, 5.7 grams per 100 ml of lactose and 2.3 grams per 100 ml of protein (three times more protein than milk mature).
Also noteworthy is its high concentration of IgA and lactoferrin ( proteins that help the body fight infections ), its content in lymphocytes and macrophages (100,000 / mm3), and its high amount of oligosaccharides (20 g / L), which it provides to the newborn. efficient protection against germs in the environment. Among the fat-soluble vitamins of high concentration in colostrum, b-carotene stands out (responsible for its yellowish color).
Differences between colostrum and mature milk
If we compare it with mature milk, both have anti-infective components both humoral (immunoglobulins, enzymes, lactoferrin, bifid factor, prostaglandins and other immune regulatory substances), and cellular (macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes).
But between colostrum and mature milk there are some differences:
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The most obvious visible to the naked eye are color and consistency. Colostrum is yellowish in color and has a consistent texture, while mature milk is more liquid, light and generally white in color.
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Colostrum contains less amounts of lactose, fat and water-soluble vitamins, but more protein, fat-soluble vitamins (E, A, K), carotenes and some minerals such as sodium (which gives it a slightly salty taste) and zinc.
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In colostrum, the high concentration of the protective proteins Ig A and lactoferrin stands out, and although they are diluted with increasing milk production, an important daily production is maintained later on.
From the fourth day after delivery , transitional milk is produced, which will give way to mature milk , always according to the baby’s needs.
Why is it so important for the baby to benefit from colostrum
As we have just seen, colostrum is true “gold” for the newborn , as it provides great protection against infections and diseases. Not surprisingly, there are those who classify it as “the first vaccine” that the baby receives, as it is loaded with antibodies and protective substances.
That is why health professionals insist on the importance of not depriving the baby of this food (even when the mother has made the decision not to breastfeed her baby), being essential in premature babies.
To promote the fact that the baby can benefit from this “liquid gold”, it is important that mother and baby do not separate after delivery, in order to start breastfeeding as soon as possible . In case of doubts or difficulties, the support of the health personnel is essential, as the mother needs to feel understood and supported in these delicate moments after the birth.
There are women who feel insecure in the first moments of breastfeeding, because their breasts do not feel hard and sometimes the colostrum is not easily seen, so they mistakenly interpret that they are not producing milk and their baby is left hungry. But nothing is further from the truth, because just a few drops of colostrum are enough for the newborn to get everything he needs in those first days.
Photo | iStock
More information | Unicef, MedUnne
