Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It LooksColostrum vs. Breast MilkNewborn Colostrum BenefitsChallenges to BreastfeedingAre Supplements Safe?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Looks
Colostrum vs. Breast Milk
Newborn Colostrum Benefits
Challenges to Breastfeeding
Are Supplements Safe?
Colostrumis a fluid that signals the start ofbreast milkproduction toward the end of a person’s pregnancy and following birth.Being filling, rich in protein, and low in fat and sugar, colostrum provides an initial supply of essential nutrients for newborns in the first few days after birth.
It also helps protect against infection, supports the development of thedigestive tract, and more. Some evidence shows that colostrum may be helpful in supplement form for healthy adults, too, though more research is needed.
This article provides an overview of colostrum, its benefits, and the available research on colostrum supplements, including whether they’re safe to consume.
Colostrum: How It Looks
Colostrum is the first breast milk produced near the end ofpregnancyand after birth.
Often referred to as liquid gold,colostrum tends to be thick in substance and yellowish in color.It may also be described as sticky or creamy.
Colostrum is a fairly concentrated liquid produced in small amounts, so you won’t notice your breasts feeling full the way they will when your milk comes in.The flow of colostrum from the breast is slow, and a few teaspoons should be plenty for a newborn’s stomach.
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Colostrum vs. Regular Breast Milk
In addition to containing the perfect amount of nutrients that a newborn needs in the first several days of life, colostrum also:
Colostrum is beneficial for the pregnant person after giving birth, as well. Experts recommend that some people express colostrum (manually releasing it from the breast) in the last few weeks of pregnancy, as it’s been shown to help improve breast milk supply in the days ahead.Check with a healthcare provider first before trying this technique.
What If I Can’t Produce Colostrum or Breastfeed?
There are many different challenges tobreastfeeding, and each person’s journey will be unique. Not everyone can breastfeed, and that’s OK.
Remember that most people will produce some colostrum, and while the amount may seem smaller than a bottle of breast milk, it’s just the right amount to fill a newborn’s stomach.
However, to learn more about colostrum and breast milk production, check with a healthcare provider for a referral to alactationcounselor. They will be able to walk you through the process and address any specific issues, such as answering any milk supply questions or providing other helpful techniques.
EngorgementEngorgement (hard and painful breasts that result when milk isn’t entirely removed) can occur during the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk.One study suggests that expressing colostrum the first few days after childbirth may help prevent this.
Engorgement
Engorgement (hard and painful breasts that result when milk isn’t entirely removed) can occur during the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk.One study suggests that expressing colostrum the first few days after childbirth may help prevent this.
Are Colostrum Supplements Safe?
Colostrum from cattle (known as bovine colostrum) currently exists on the market in supplement form.
Experts have found that the contents of bovine colostrum (colostrum from cows) are similar to human colostrum, meaning that it’s rich in essential vitamins and nutrients for protecting newborn health. But does this substance have health benefits for adults?
Colostrum starts milk production in humans and other mammals, including cows, dogs, and cats. As in humans, it contains many essential health benefits for newborns.Researchers are studying how bovine colostrum may be utilized in human newborns as an alternative to human colostrum.
Summary
Colostrum also helps protect against infection and supports developmental growth. While colostrum supplements from cattle (known as bovine colostrum) are on the market, experts are still looking into its safety and effectiveness in healthy adults.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Office on Women’s Health.Making the decision to breastfeed.
World Health Organization.The physiological basis of breastfeeding.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.WIC breastfeeding support: The phases of breastmilk.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges.
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