What Exactly is Colustrum and Why It Is So Good for Baby

Whether she knows it or not, when a mother starts to
breastfeed her baby in the first few days, she is
helping to protect her infant from infection. But how
exactly does early breastfeeding protect a baby
against germs? The answer is colostrum.

Frequent feedings during the first few days ensures
that your baby gets something called colostrum. This is
most often called the 'first milk'. Colostrum is a
concentrated form of breast milk. Unlike breast milk in
the weeks, months and years to follow, it's yellowish
in color and has the consistency of liquid honey.
Colostrum contains immune active cells that neutralize
and kill most germs that could harm your child. This is
vital as the most beneficial of the anti-bodies present
in colostrum, called IgA, can't be made by the newborn
itself.

As well as warding off infection, colostrum is also
highly nutritious. It contains a high level of fatty
acids that your baby needs. It also contains an enzyme
called lipase, which keeps the fat globules small and
easy to digest; lactose, the sugar found in breast
milk; vitamin D, iron and potassium. And we mustn't
forget about your hormones and enzymes that you pass on
to your baby through your breast milk.

Colostrum also does so much more. It lines your baby's
gut with micro-organisms (intestinal flora) thus making
digestion easier of later breast milk. Frequent feeding
of concentrated colostrum will also gently expand your
baby's stomach; when your child is first born, its
stomach is the size of a walnut! Finally, colostrum
also stimulates the bowel into action, which helps to
clear the meconium (your baby's first stools) from your
child's bowel. After a few days your baby's baby bowel
will be in good shape to receive your follow-on milk.

If you plan to breastfeed you should plan to breastfeed
from the moment your child is born. Colostrum is
produced in the first 2 to 3 days after birth and it is
extremely important that your child gets your
colostrum. Most hospitals now allow a mother and child
to stay together so that a mother can feed her child
frequently. This wasn't always so and sometimes, even
today, mothers and babies are separated to 'allow
mother to rest'. Don't allow yourself to be parted from
your child if at all possible.

Your milk should come in around day 2 or 3 and may be
an uncomfortable time for mother. You may feel
emotional, vulnerable and prone to crying. This is
natural. You may also experience some pain as your
breast may become very swollen, hot or hard. Your
nipples may become distended and your baby may find it
difficult to latch on.

All these problems can be overcome with patience and
help from professional health care workers, your family
and friends. Don't be put off from breastfeeding.
Colostrum is the best possible start in life any one
could have.

Article Source: http://www.pottytrainingarticles.net

Robin O'Brien is founder of a website that promotes the benefits of breast milk. The site covers all aspect of breastfeeding; everything from, what nursing bra to buy, to how to stop breastfeeding.

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