It is certainly not what you’re thinking. Colostrum is the Mother’s first breastmilk that comes after the baby is born. It is referred to as liquid gold because it is SO valuable for the baby!!! Breastmilk usually takes 72 hours to come in after birth, so when you latch your baby onto your breast, initially, it is not drinking your “milk”, but your Colostrum. Colostrum is a concentrated food that comes in small amounts and is super high in calories, to help keep your baby fed until your milk comes in.
Colostrum is ready at birth, so after you give birth, I always recommend that you “demand” to hold your baby and have at least one hour of alone time before they have to do anything. Of course there is an exception…if there are high risk birth complications and your baby needs to go to the NICU immediately, this is understandable. But if you have a healthy baby and are able to, latch your baby onto your breast immediately after giving birth. All your baby needs is this Colostrum for nourishment, until your milk comes in.
So Why Is Colostrum A Miracle Food?
It is Free and ready to use.
It helps to build their immunity.
It is high in calories and is like a natural medicine for your baby.
It helps to coat your baby’s gut for healthy digestion in the future.
It also helps babies pass their first bowel movement called, miconium.
It’s yellow, just like gold is and it’s just as valuable to your precious newborn!
Ten Things To Remember In The Hospital After Birth
1. Remember to tell the staff that you plan on breastfeeding.
2. The best time to begin breastfeeding is right after birth.
3. Holding your baby, skin to skin, helps encourage breastfeeding and helps to promote bonding and attachment.
4. Babies are born with a natural instinct to breastfeed at birth.
5. Babies need the antibodies in Colostrum.
6. If you have any trouble, ask for a Lactation Specialist to help.
7. Don’t be surprised when you actually see a “liquidy gold” substance.
8. Pay close attention, so that you can latch your baby after the Specialist is gone.
9. The first milk is your Colostrum and can also be thick and yellow in color.
10. After birth, you can nurse your baby on demand in the first few weeks, so learn the hunger signs before giving birth.
