Breast Feeding Basics

Question: What is colostrum?

When your baby is brand new, you will notice that the milk you produce is small in quantity and a yellowish color. It is also much thicker than the milk you will produce later on. This milk is called colostrum, and for 2 to 4 days it is all your baby will need. Often, the amount that is made at a feeding is less than ¼ of an ounce!

Colostrum is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins are antibodies that pass from the mother to the baby and provide passive immunity for the baby. Passive immunity protects the baby from a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. Two to four days after birth, colostrum will be replaced by transitional milk.

This is the perfect time to for baby to practice her new nursing skills. Together you can establish your own unique nursing style and by the time your “transitional” milk comes in, you’ll both be ready.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 at 9:10 pm and is filed under Frequently Asked Questions.
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