In the early days of motherhood, you quickly learn that one of the most extraordinary substances that plays a pivotal role in your baby’s development is colostrum milk. Often referred to as “liquid gold,” colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands during pregnancy and the initial days after giving birth. There are many wonders to colostrum and a reason why it’s a precious elixir for your baby—let’s dive in and find out why. 

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is a thick, yellowish matter that precedes the more mature breast milk. It is packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune-boosting properties designed to provide your newborn with the best possible start in life. This “first milk” is tailored to meet the specific needs of a newborn’s developing immune system and digestive system while breastfeeding. 

Though colostrum is small in volume, it’s mighty and incredibly concentrated with nutrients. It’s packed with even more protein, fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals compared to mature breast milk. These nutrients are crucial for supporting your baby’s rapid growth and development in the early days of life.

What Makes Colostrum So Powerful?

One of the most remarkable aspects of colostrum is its immunoglobulin content—aka, it contains antibodies that help protect your baby from infections and illnesses. Colostrum acts as a natural immune booster, providing passive immunity to your newborn until their own immune system becomes strong on its own. Colostrum is also easily digestible, making it the perfect first food for your baby’s delicate digestive system. Its composition is designed to promote the development of a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for long-term health and immunity. 

When Do I Produce & Start Giving Colostrum?

Your body starts gearing up to produce colostrum during pregnancy by producing hormones that signal your mammary glands to prepare. You might even start expressing small amounts of colostrum around 36 weeks—don’t worry, it’s totally normal for it to be a little bit at first! 

You’ll want to offer colostrum to your baby as soon as possible after birth—ideally within that first hour. This early “golden hour” is the perfect time for bonding, and your baby’s little tummy is just the right size to take in those small but powerful doses of colostrum. Don’t worry if it feels like not much is coming out at first—every drop is packed with nutrients and antibodies that help protect your baby and get their digestive system going. If you’re unable to breastfeed right away, you can express colostrum and offer it with a syringe or spoon, but the key is to do it frequently in those first few days, as colostrum gradually transitions into your full milk supply. The more often you offer it, the better for both you and your baby as you establish your breastfeeding rhythm.

Why Am I Having Trouble Producing Colostrum?

While colostrum is produced in small quantities, this is entirely normal. The small amounts perfectly match your baby’s tiny stomach capacity in the first few days. As your baby continues to nurse, your body will gradually transition to producing larger volumes of mature milk, meeting their increasing nutritional needs.

Colostrum serves as a bridge between the prenatal and postnatal nutritional phases. It acts as a natural laxative, helping your baby pass their first dark stool and clear excess jaundice from their system. By breastfeeding your little one, you will stimulate your own production of more mature breast milk, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your baby to full-time breastfeeding.