If you’re an expecting parent, you may have heard of people talking about "liquid gold” as part of their lactation/feeding experience. What they’re referring to is colostrum, the incredibly nutrient-rich first milk related after birth (and sometimes in the late weeks of pregnancy). Colostrum has been dubbed liquid gold in part for its appearance (having a dark yellow color and thicker consistency than mature milk), and in part for the valuable role it can play in newborn health.
Rich in Nutrients
Colostrum is packed with essential nutrients that are important for your newborn's health and development. It contains antibodies, growth factors, and vitamins, including vitamin A, which is essential for vision, and vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage. Colostrum is also rich in minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium, which help support a healthy immune system and bone development.
Boosts Immunity
Colostrum can be incredible for boosting a your little one’s immunity since it’s rich in antibodies that help protect them against a range of illnesses and diseases. This is especially important for newborns, and even more important for preemies, who have an underdeveloped immune system and are vulnerable to infections. Colostrum also contains white blood cells, which are essential for combating bacteria and viruses in the body.
Helps Digestion
The nutrients found in colostrum also help promote healthy digestion in newborns, which can be a common concern for parents of babies with sensitive and uncomfortable tummies. Colostrum contains a high concentration of proteins, which are easy to digest and provide your little one with the energy they need to grow and thrive from the get-go. It also contains factors that can help protect newborns from gastrointestinal diseases and diarrhea.
Promotes Growth and Development
Colostrum contains growth factors that assist in promoting healthy growth and development in newborns. These growth factors promote the development of muscles, bones, and other tissues, and they also help support brain development (Did you know that babies’ brains are making millions of new connections each second? They can use all the brain support they can get!). Additionally, colostrum promotes the formation of healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for a healthy digestive system as baby grows.
Encourages Bonding
Feeding colostrum to your baby is not only excellent for their health, but it can also help promote bonding between you and baby. When your little one suckles at your breast it releases oxytocin, the hormone that promotes feelings of love, warmth, and attachment, in both of you. This experience is great for your baby's emotional development and can have lasting effects on their mental health and well-being, and potentially reduce your risk of perinatal mood disorders as well.
Clearly, colostrum provides numerous health benefits for your newborn. If you’re in the final weeks of pregnancy, you can check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to collect colostrum before baby is born so you can have a supply ready to go if needed. It’s also a good idea to let your birth team know about your desire to do skin-to-skin immediately after birth and get feeding started early on. Not planning on breast/chestfeeding? Colostrum can also be fed by bottle, spoon, syringe, or supplemental nursing system, or acquired through human milk banking.
Curoius about how you can incorporate colostrum into your little one’s first days or want help making sure that happens? Learn more about postpartum doula services and prenatal education here.
