If you are coming into the maternity world now, you may not know what colostrum is, but the concept is simple: it is the first milk produced shortly after birth.
Colostrum is a thicker liquid than normal, yellowish-colored breast milk. This is because this initial milk is richer in protective factors for the baby.
In some societies, there are still many taboos involving colostrum, including some suggesting that it would be harmful to the baby. Make no mistake: There is no more beneficial food for your newborn than this first breast milk.
Generally, mothers who have just given birth do not feel that their breasts are full because colostrum is produced in small quantities.
At such times it is common for them to think that they are not producing enough milk, but this is not true. Remember that a newborn's gastric capacity is small, so that is enough to nourish it.
Read also: 20 exciting pictures of mothers breastfeeding their babies
The Importance of Baby's First Feeding
Compared to more mature breast milk, is colostrum richer in protein and infection-fighting substances and cells (such as immunoglobulin A and leukocytes, respectively) and contains less sugars and fats? exactly what the baby needs in its early days. This is why colostrum works as the first vaccine of a child's life.
In addition, colostrum is the only substance capable of eliminating meconium, a dark green substance composed of mucus, enzymes and bile salts that forms in the baby's intestines at 36 weeks of gestation. By stimulating bowel movements and promoting this kind of cleansing, colostrum helps prevent jaundice in the newborn.
Suction instinct
Babies are already born with a sucking instinct, although it is stronger in some newborns than in others. As this instinct is most intense immediately after birth, it is recommended that the mother breastfeed the baby in its first hour of life.
Suction will not only stimulate the mother's body to produce more milk, but will also send signals to the uterus to contract, reducing the chance of excessive bleeding after delivery.
Also, will the first feeding help the baby learn to feed? After all, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both mother and newborn. Putting the baby in contact with the mother's skin allows her to smell colostrum and want to suckle.
Read also: Breastfeeding: Ask questions and check out tips and reports from mothers
My newborn doesn't breastfeed
Of course, not all babies are alike, and some of them don't seem to care much about the breast at first. At these times, mothers may think they suckled very little, but the truth is newborns don't need a lot of breastfeeding milk? and anyway, the breast does not contain a large volume of colostrum.
At this stage, it is more important for the baby to breastfeed often in small quantities than to be breastfed for long periods. Because the breasts are not so full of milk, they remain soft, making it easier for the newborn to learn to suck.
If you have questions about breastfeeding, be sure to check out our super-complete article on breastfeeding with a host of tips and reports from other moms. And of course, if you are experiencing difficulties, always seek medical help.
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