What is Colostrum and What Are the Benefits for Your Baby?

If you’ve heard the terms "first milk," "pre-milk," "early milk," or "practice milk," you may have wondered what they mean. They all refer to a form of breast milk called colostrum—a type of nutrient-rich milk that comes in before your regular breast milk.

Whether you’ve noticed this yellow milk known as colostrum leak from your breasts during pregnancy, or you’re considering breastfeeding and want to know more, it’s helpful to understand what colostrum is, how long it lasts, and how much your newborn may need. Read on to find out all this, and more.

Read on to find out all this, and more.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first breast milk your body produces when you’re pregnant, making it your baby’s first meal if you choose to breastfeed. Colostrum is a highly concentrated form of breast milk that contains immune-boosting nutrients for your newborn. It’s packed with protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and antibodies, all of which are beneficial for your baby. When compared with regular breast milk, colostrum is higher in protein but lower in sugar, fat, and calories.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, in the first few days after birth, you will be feeding them colostrum before your regular breast milk comes in.

What Does Colostrum Look Like?

Since it’s so concentrated, colostrum is thick and sticky. Colostrum can be orange, yellow, clear, or white in color.

Typically, it is yellowish because it contains beta-carotene (the same thing that makes carrots yellow), but if your colostrum is thinner and waterier, don’t worry—it’s normal for it to be a little different for every person.

Colostrum Vs. Breast Milk

After a few days of producing colostrum for your newborn, your breast milk will start to “come in.” Initially, you’ll produce transitional milk which is waterier than regular breast milk (mature milk). Once your milk supply is established, you’ll produce mature milk for the duration of your breastfeeding journey. And remember that while breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies, it likely won't give them enough vitamin D. So be sure to talk to your baby’s healthcare provider about vitamin D supplementation.

So, how is colostrum different from breast milk? Here are a few differences and similarities between colostrum and breast milk—both of which provide a multitude of benefits for babies:

Colostrum Benefits

Breastfeeding parents may want to think of colostrum as their baby’s first meal—one that offers many health benefits for a newborn. So, what is colostrum good for?

• Helping to immunize your baby against harmful germs by coating their intestines, and helping to shield their immune system against germs

• It’s easy to digest and flows slowly from your nipples, helping your newborn learn to breastfeed

• Providing some protection from inflammation 

• Having laxative properties that can help get meconium (your little one’s first stool) moving along, which can help lessen the chance of jaundice

• Helping to prevent low blood sugar levels if your baby was born full term

Offering a nutritional boost to a baby born prematurely, as it can provide your preemie with extra nutrition.

When Does Colostrum Come In?

During pregnancy, it’s common to wonder “When do you start producing colostrum?” A pregnant person’s breasts may be ready to produce colostrum as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy or later in the second trimester. So don't be surprised if you see signs of colostrum leakage long before you’re due to give birth.

Leaking colostrum does not necessarily mean that labor is close. Although it may seem a little odd, it’s actually completely normal to leak a little breast milk during pregnancy.

Conversely, some pregnant people don’t notice any signs of colostrum leaking during pregnancy, but this doesn’t mean that colostrum production isn’t happening. Behind the scenes, your breasts are getting prepped for breastfeeding—just one more way your body is getting ready for motherhood.

If your colostrum leaks, you might want to buy some disposable or reusable breast pads that line your bra. These help absorb the liquid and protect your clothing.

How Much Colostrum Does a Newborn Need?

New moms may produce anywhere from 10 to 100 milliliters of colostrum per day. Typically, though, it’s around 30 milliliters or about an ounce a day, which is right around the amount that your baby needs. But don’t worry if you’re producing less than this amount—any amount is good for your baby. As your breasts transition to producing more milk than colostrum, your baby’s stomach will also expand to accept more milk.

For more on breastfeeding in general, check out these breastfeeding tips. And if you're concerned about your milk supply, consult your healthcare provider for advice. You can also read this article on increasing breast milk production.

How Long Does Colostrum Last?

Your body will typically produce colostrum for several days after the birth of your baby before this early milk transitions into regular breast milk.

After the initial two to five days of colostrum production, your breasts will begin to increase in size and feel firmer. This indicates that your milk supply is increasing and has started to transition from colostrum to regular breast milk—a process that happens over a few weeks.

Pumping Colostrum

Can you pump colostrum? Pumping colostrum may be difficult due to its thick consistency; therefore, it may be easier to hand-express instead. This is considered easier and may produce more colostrum compared to a pump.

While it’s generally considered safe to pump or express colostrum after giving birth, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider about pumping or expressing during pregnancy, as this can release oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions of the uterus.

Storing Colostrum

If you decide to express or pump colostrum for your newborn, you may be wondering, “How long is colostrum good for?” or “How long does colostrum last in the freezer?” It can be kept refrigerated in a sterile container or syringe for up to 3 days or kept in a freezer for about 3 months.

The Bottom Line

Colostrum is important in so many ways for your baby. It's the perfect first meal for a newborn, fortifying them with antibodies for a beneficial jump-start in life.

While we’re on the important topic of feeding your baby, you might want to learn more interesting facts about breastfeeding as well as more about formula feeding.

Alongside all those feedings, you’re bound to have plenty of diaper changes. Download the Pampers Rewards app today to start earning Pampers Cash and rewards for all your diaper and wipes purchases

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}