The importance of colostrum for the newborn

The breastmilk It is a very valuable good since contains everything the baby needs:

• Fat
• Lactose
• Vitamins
• Iron
• Minerals
• Water
• Growth factors
• Proteins ...

All this is necessary for their development during their first months of life. Also, through the pass antibodies that help the baby to be protected while creating its own defenses.

Besides, the breast milk changes His composition depending on the baby's needs. For all this, from the World Health Organization The message is clear: "Breastfeeding is an unparalleled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants."

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is a thicker liquid that milk and tone yellow that the mother will produce during the first 3 or 4 days after delivery. Is he best food that you can take a newborn super adapted to the needs of the baby.

• Colostrum contains less fat, lactose and water-soluble vitamins than mature milk, that is, milk that appears from day 4 or 5 after delivery.
• But in turn colostrum contains more protein, fat-soluble vitamins, carotenes and minerals. In addition, it provides protective substances for the baby such as immunoglobulin A and lactoferrin, lymphocytes, macrophages ...) which is very important due to the immaturity of the baby's immune system. However, if you have any questions

Colostrum functions

• Covers your nutritional needs.
• The volume of colostrum comes in small amounts so that the baby adapts, in this way the baby learn to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing.
• Helps in intestinal mobilization, which facilitates the meconium removal.
• Facilitates an adequate digestion, it is adapted.
• Facilitates an adequate intestinal colonization.
• Facilitates operation renal, still immature.
• It helps to release the substances they produce, therefore helping to reduce it.

Colostrum myths

There are many myths around colostrum, some of them, although they seem incredible, still remain in some cultures or areas. The most common are:

• Colostrum does not feed and is of poor quality: FALSE Due to its small quantity and its lower caloric intake, it is said that it does not feed. Nothing is further from reality, colostrum contains the necessary and suitable nutrients for the newborn.
• Do not breastfeed until after colostrum: FALSE Some cultures consider that you should not suckle as long as the milk is not light in color, so they discard the colostrum. It is important to raise awareness that breastfeeding is more successful if the baby suckles from birth, in addition to explaining the benefits of colostrum.
• If the milk comes out yellow it is bad: FALSE Colostrum is yellowish in color because it has a antioxidant substance that gives it this property (beta-carotene), should never be discarded.

• Colostrum is a liquid thicker than milk, with a yellow hue, which the mother will produce during the first three or four days after childbirth.
• It is the best food a newborn can eat, as it is perfectly adapted to the baby's needs.
• It is yellowish in color because it has an antioxidant substance that gives it this property (beta-carotene), it should never be discarded.

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Master in Pediatric Nutrition