The birth of a child is a miracle and a life-changing event. Fortunately, mothers do not have to worry about feeding the new family member after the exhausting birth if they breastfeed. This is because mothers produce the first food that babies eat in the first few days after birth, called colostrum. Colostrum is different from "normal" breast milk and this first food plays an essential role in the infant's health and early childhood development. Colostrum, often referred to as "first milk", is an amazing biological drink that not only nourishes the baby in the first few days of its life, but also has a lasting influence on early childhood development and the immune system.
In this article, In Part 6 of the Colostrum series , we will take a closer look at the importance of colostrum ( what is it? ) for infants and understand why it is vital for the immune system and growth of newborns. We will also look at why mothers who cannot or do not want to breastfeed may need to use colostrum.
- The Importance of Colostrum for Early Childhood Development
- The Role of Colostrum in Strengthening Babies' Immune Systems
- The importance of antibodies in colostrum for protection against infections
- The influence of growth factors in colostrum on infant growth and development
- The Role of Colostrum in Supporting the Innate Immune System
- The difference between breastfeeding and bottle feeding and why colostrum is important for breastfeeding mothers
- Tips for promoting colostrum production in breastfeeding mothers
- study results
The first milk – what is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by a woman (and by female mammals) after the birth of a child. This milky substance is rich in nutrients, antibodies and growth factors that are available to the newborn during the first days of its life immediately after birth.
Colostrum is not normal breast milk, but is only produced by the female mammary glands in the first few days after birth. It is usually thicker and more yellow than later breast milk and is an essential source of nutrients and other bioactive substances that promote the health and development of the infant.
So what is colostrum made of? What is contained in this special first milk?
Composition of Colostrum – A Magic Potion of Nature
Colostrum is an impressive blend of bioactive compounds specifically tailored to the needs of the newborn.
This special milk is designed to prepare and strengthen the baby, who is born with only its innate immune system, for life “outside”.
We have summarized some of the most important components and ingredients of colostrum here:
1. Antibodies – To strengthen the immune system
Colostrum is rich in antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which help the infant fight potential infections. Since a newborn has an immature immune system, these antibodies are crucial to protecting it from disease.
The human immune system can be divided into two parts: the innate immune system and the acquired immune system. Babies are born with their innate immune system, but the acquired immune system is not yet fully developed because they first have to come into contact with the outside world and "acquire" it.
2. Growth factors – babies grow quickly
Healthy babies grow a full 25 cm in their first year of life. Various growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), therefore play an important role in promoting the growth and healthy development of the infant.
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) supports the formation of tissues and organs, which is critical for the baby and early childhood development.
3. Nutrients – A healthy cocktail
Colostrum is a true cocktail, or rather mocktail, that contains essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats that are essential for the growth and development of the baby.
Particularly relevant is the protein casein in colostrum, which is a good source of important amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that are essential for the growth and development of tissues, organs and muscles. In babies, especially during the first months of life, adequate protein intake is crucial to support growth.
4. Leukocytes – An important component of the immune system
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are another crucial component of colostrum. They support the infant's innate immune system and help fight pathogens.
White blood cells recognize and fight pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi by phagocytosing (absorbing and digesting) or destroying them. The ability of leukocytes to respond rapidly to pathogens without the need for specific adaptation is a crucial aspect of the innate immune system.
The Role of Colostrum in the Immune System
The immune system is one of the most important systems in the human body, especially for newborns who are just beginning to develop their own immune system.
Colostrum plays a key role in strengthening and training the infant's immune system. We would now like to take a closer look at how colostrum is important for the immune system of babies and young children.
1. Protection against infections
Colostrum contains high concentrations of antibodies that provide the infant with immediate protection against infections. These antibodies bind to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses and block their effect on the baby's health.
2. Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
IgA is the predominant antibody in colostrum and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the newborn. It protects the mucous membranes of the intestine and respiratory tract, which is particularly important since most infections enter through these routes.
Immunoglobulins play a particularly crucial role for newborns, who meet many new family members and friends who naturally bring pathogens and bacteria with them. This is because the baby's immune system has to react to all the unknown bacteria and pathogens that are of little importance to us adults because our acquired immune system already knows the pathogens.
3. Building the immune system
Colostrum not only helps in immediate defense against diseases, but also supports the development of the infant's immune system. It "trains" the immune system of babies and young children by helping them to recognize pathogens and respond appropriately.
A Gift from Mother Nature – What Makes Colostrum So Special
Colostrum is a unique food that is specifically tailored to the needs of newborns.
Its unique composition and its ability to strengthen the immune system and promote growth make it one of the most important substances for early childhood development.
1. Colostrum is a natural wonder
The fact that colostrum is naturally produced by mothers, or female mammals, shows the amazing capabilities of Mother Nature.
Evolution has developed this amazing food to ensure the health and survival of humanity. It is remarkable how mothers produce this colostrum to give their newborns the best start in life.
2. Long-term significance for the child
The importance of colostrum for early childhood development extends beyond the first weeks and months of life. It has been proven to have long-term effects on the child's health.
Studies have shown that children who were breastfed and given colostrum in the first few days after birth have a lower risk of several health problems later in life, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and allergies.
Breastfeeding versus bottle feeding – colostrum as a helper for breastfeeding mothers
It is important to emphasize that colostrum not only promotes the health of the infant but also a close bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding offers unique emotional benefits as it strengthens the mother-child relationship and builds trust.
In comparison, conventional infant formulas often lack many of the bioactive components found in colostrum. While infant formula can provide the necessary nutrients, it cannot provide the same protective and immune-boosting effects as colostrum.
However, breastfeeding can be very difficult and even painful for some women. There are many mothers who would like to breastfeed but have physical problems with breastfeeding or do not produce enough milk in the first few days after birth.
Colostrum can be particularly interesting as a supplementary food for these mothers, either by taking it themselves to stimulate their milk production or by offering it to their baby as bottle feed so that it does not have to go without the valuable colostrum.
Promoting breastfeeding and the production of colostrum is therefore also very important for mothers. Breastfeeding also contributes to the uterus shrinking and can reduce the risk of bleeding after birth.
Colostrum tips for mothers – How to breastfeed
It is important for mothers to know how to encourage colostrum production to support their baby's health.
Here are some practical tips that have already helped many mothers:
1. Early investment
Early latching of the baby to the breast after birth is crucial to stimulate the production of colostrum. The baby's sucking movements promote milk and colostrum production.
So if no milk or colostrum comes out of the breast at first, there is no reason to worry. The baby should still be fed. Many mothers do not produce colostrum until 2-3 days after the baby is born.
2. Skin contact promotes colostrum production
Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth has many benefits, including promoting breastfeeding and colostrum production. The newborn should therefore lie on the mother for as long as possible to promote a close bond.
3. Frequent breastfeeding to promote milk production
Feeding your baby frequently promotes milk production. In the first few days, the child should be breastfed as needed, which is usually every 2-3 hours.
4. Mother's nutrition
The mother's diet also plays an important role in the quality of colostrum. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential to meet the baby's needs and provide him with high-quality colostrum.
What can you do if you are unable to breastfeed or want to continue to enjoy the benefits of colostrum after your mammary glands only produce regular breast milk?
Colostrum – Liquid Gold
Colostrum is nature's amazing gift to newborns. It is rich in antibodies, growth factors, nutrients and other bioactive compounds that promote early childhood development.
Colostrum plays a crucial role in the immune system by protecting the infant from infections and training its immune system. It also promotes the growth and development of the child.
In our world where daily challenges and environmental factors can threaten infant health, colostrum remains vital. It is a natural and sustainable resource that gives children around the world a good start in life.
It is therefore very important to raise awareness of the importance of colostrum and encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies to support their health and development. If breastfeeding is not going smoothly, or you do not want to or are unable to breastfeed, colostrum can be considered as a complementary food and can be a helpful and healthy addition for you and your baby. Colostrum can also promote your own milk production.
Colostrum is not just food; it is also love, protection and health in its purest form.
If you want to give your baby colostrum or take it yourself as a mother, choose trustworthy and ethical suppliers, such as the Swiss company THECHANGE, which offers high-quality colostrum in capsule form. If the colostrum is cold-filtered, the valuable nutrients are almost always retained. This is the only way for the nutrients, immune factors and antioxidants to develop their natural health potential.
You should also discuss feeding your child colostrum with a specialist beforehand. The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources:
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- Yan X, Pan X, Ding L, et al. Bovine colostrum to supplement the first feeding of very preterm infants: The PreColos randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2023;42(8):1408-1417. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2023.06.024
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