Colostrum is the first milk that is made for the newborn. The pre-milk is therefore also called newborn milk and is referred to by some as liquid gold, which is not only due to the color … We explain here why the pre-milk has a very special meaning for the new earthling.
Foremilk: timing and appearance
The pre-milk is already produced in small quantities during the second half of pregnancy. The early onset of the colostrum ensures that even premature babies can drink from the first milk. It is increasingly formed in the first three to five days after the baby is born. The best thing for the child to drink is within the first two hours after childbirth. Newly mothers are often advised to start with the newborn, even if they generally do not want to breastfeed, so that it is from the rich colostrum benefits.
Colostrum and breast milk
The previous milk – unlike the mature breast milk – is from yellowish color, thick and creamy consistency. It contains a little less fat and carbohydrates than breast milk, but the content of it increases at the time of the transition milk (for about ten to 14 days after the previous milk). Then the mature breast milk sets in.
Reading tip: Here you can find out more about weaning.
That is why colostrum is important
What makes newborn milk so precious now? Although it is produced in small quantities, however, their composition offers a lot of healthy ingredients for the baby. Don't worry, the small amount is sufficient for your offspring at the beginning – it still has a small stomach that has to get used to the food intake. Colostrum is rich in protein, vitamin A and am Antibody immunoglobulin A, which is protective in the intestinal mucosa and protects the baby from pathogens. The leukocytes ("white blood cells") it contains also form antibodies that protect the baby.
The nutrient cocktail has another positive feature: it has a laxative effect and thus helps the newborn to excrete the meconium, also called child’s pitch. Frequent bowel movements also promote the excretion of bilirubin, which can cause jaundice.
Tip: Here you can find out more about pregnancy weeks. Pregnancy is an exciting time, in the BRIGITTE community you can talk to others about having children and having a baby.