Breast milk is often called “liquid gold” because of the incredibly powerful benefits it provides to your baby from the moment they are born! Your early milk, known as colostrum, is often yellow-ish in color and helps your baby’s body begin adapting to life outside the womb. In addition to being packed with infection-fighting white blood cells, antibodies, and other valuable nutrients, colostrum benefits include protection of the stomach, intestines, and immune system as they fully develop in the hours and days following birth.
See our video to find out more about colostrum benefits, when your early milk transitions into mature milk, and how your baby’s stomach grows simultaneously.
References:
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Cox DB et al. Breast growth and the urinary excretion of lactose during human pregnancy and early lactation: endocrine relationships. Exp Physiol. 1999;84(2):421-434.
Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition: nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013;60(1):49-74.
Pribylova J et al. Colostrum of healthy mothers contains broad spectrum of secretory IgA autoantibodies. J Clin Immunol. 2012;32(6):1372-1380.
Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession. 7th edition ed. Maryland Heights, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2011. 1114 p.
Neville MC et al. Studies in human lactation: milk volumes in lactating women during the onset of lactation and full lactation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988;48(6):1375-1386.
