What is Colostrum and What Are the Benefits for Your Baby?
Colostrum is the first form of breast milk produced by the body during pregnancy and the first few days after birth. Often called “liquid gold” for its rich yellow color and powerful benefits, colostrum is packed with high levels of protein, antibodies, and nutrients essential for a newborn’s growth and immune defense. Unlike mature breast milk, colostrum is thicker, lower in fat and sugar, and easier for newborns to digest. It plays a key role in:
Strengthening the baby’s immune system with immunoglobulins and white blood cells
Supporting gut health by coating the intestines to block harmful bacteria
Aiding early digestion and reducing the risk of jaundice with a mild laxative effect
Helping stabilize blood sugar in newborns.
Colostrum production begins during pregnancy and transitions to mature milk within 2 to 5 days after birth. Even in small amounts, it provides everything a newborn needs in the first days of life. In the following sections, we’ll explore how colostrum works, its benefits, how to express and store it, and what to expect during this critical phase of infant nutrition.
What Is Colostrum?
The definition of colostrum is basically 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 properties for your newborn. It’s packed with protein, salts, antibodies, and protective properties, 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?
Wondering what colostrum looks like? Colostrum is typically thick and sticky—a sign of how rich and concentrated it is with nutrients and antibodies.
When it comes to the color of colostrum, it can vary from person to person. It’s often yellow or orange due to the presence of beta-carotene (the same compound that gives carrots their color). However, clear or white colostrum is also completely normal.
If you’re wondering, “Why is my colostrum clear?” or you’ve noticed that it’s a bit watery, don’t worry—this is still healthy and perfectly normal. Everybody is different, and colostrum can look slightly different for everyone.
Colostrum Benefits for Babies
Breastfeeding parents can think of colostrum as their baby’s first meal or superfood—rich in antibodies, nutrients, and protective properties. If you’re wondering what colostrum is good for or “What does colostrum do?” the answer is: quite a lot.
Here are some of the key colostrum benefits for newborns:
Strengthens immunity. Colostrum coats your baby’s intestines and helps protect their still-developing immune system from harmful germs.
Supports early digestion. It’s easy to digest and flows slowly from your nipples, making it ideal for helping newborns learn how to breastfeed.
Fights inflammation and bacteria. Colostrum contains antibodies and white blood cells that fight inflammation and kill potentially harmful microorganisms.
Aids first bowel movements. It has natural laxative effects that help pass meconium (your baby’s first stool), which may reduce the risk of newborn jaundice.
Helps regulate blood sugar. For full-term babies, colostrum can help stabilize blood sugar levels in the early hours after birth.
Nourishes preemies. Colostrum offers concentrated nutrition that is especially beneficial for premature babies who need extra support.
These benefits of colostrum make it an essential first food, packed with protective and developmental advantages.
How Much Colostrum Does a Newborn Need?
New parents 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 into 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.
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), and once your milk supply is established, you’ll produce mature milk for the duration of your breastfeeding journey.
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:
When Does Colostrum Come In?
Many new parents-to-be find themselves wondering, “When does colostrum start?” The answer might surprise you: your body can begin producing colostrum as early as 16 weeks into pregnancy, or later in the second trimester. This early production is completely normal and part of your body’s natural preparation for breastfeeding.
So if you notice a few drops of fluid—also known as colostrum leakage—well before your due date, don’t worry. It’s common for some people to see signs of colostrum before birth, and it doesn’t mean that labor is about to begin.
On the flip side, if you don’t see any leaking during pregnancy, that’s normal too. Just because you’re not visibly leaking doesn’t mean your body isn’t producing colostrum. Behind the scenes, your breasts are already getting ready to nourish your newborn—another way your body is preparing for parenthood.
If you do experience leakage, consider using disposable or reusable breast pads in your bra. These can help absorb moisture and protect your clothing during this stage.
Whether you see colostrum before or after birth, it’s all part of your body’s amazing process of supporting your baby’s health from day one.
How Long Does Colostrum Last?
One of the most common questions new parents have is, “How long do you produce colostrum?” Typically, your body produces colostrum for 2 to 5 days after birth.
After these first few days, your milk gradually begins to change—your breasts may feel fuller and firmer as they transition to producing mature breast milk. This shift happens gradually over the next couple of weeks as your milk supply increases and adapts to your baby’s needs.
Pumping Colostrum
Many parents wonder, “Can you pump colostrum?” The answer is yes, but because colostrum is thick and produced in small quantities, hand expression is often more effective than using a pump, especially in the first few days postpartum.
If you’re expressing colostrum for your baby, whether by hand or pump, it’s helpful to know how to store it safely. So, how long is colostrum good for?
In the refrigerator (in a sterile container or syringe): up to 3 days
In the freezer: about 3 months.
Always consult your healthcare provider if you’re planning to express colostrum while pregnant, as expressing before birth may cause uterine contractions in some cases.
Colostrum During Pregnancy
You may be surprised to learn that producing colostrum while pregnant is completely normal. As we mentioned earlier, some people produce small amounts of colostrum during the second or third trimester, and while not everyone experiences this, it’s a healthy sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding.
If you do collect it during pregnancy, you might wonder what to do with colostrum. If advised by your healthcare provider, you can store it in sterile syringes and freeze it for future use, particularly helpful if your baby is at risk for feeding challenges or low blood sugar after birth.
Whether or not you notice colostrum during pregnancy, rest assured: your body is doing important work behind the scenes to prepare for your baby’s arrival.
FAQS AT A GLANCE
Colostrum is generally safe and beneficial for most newborns. However, individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid colostrum due to its milk-based nature. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding people should consult with a healthcare professional before using colostrum.
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 the 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.
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