Colostrum has been known as baby's own super food for a long time. Colostrum is the platinum of breast milk. Like you get full cream and fat free, colostrum is the ultimate. It is the milk that a mom produces for about 2 to 5 days after birth before her milk comes in, the milk that is yellow in colour compared to the white of breast milk in general. The next stage of milk production, is the transitional milk which is a combination of colostrum and breast milk (10 to 14 days). Colostrum contains low levels of lactose, indicating that its function is more immunologic than nutritional. It contains white blood cells as well as growth factors which help baby adapt to his new environment. A study indicated that colostrum contains high levels of antioxidants as well. Your breasts may not feel full after giving birth and you are worrying that baby isn't getting enough milk. Baby's tummy is only the size of a marble after birth and with colostrum being concentrated, he does not need much to be satisfied. The main difference between colostrum and breast milk, is the function and composition. Breast milk is mainly to sustain and contribute to development long term whereas colostrum is for a short term initial boost.
Liezel Freeman