Understanding Colostrum
Colostrum or often called jolong is breast milk produced by the mammary glands in the final stages of pregnancy or after the birth of a baby. Colostrum is the first breast milk which has a yellowish color and is thick. Colostrum is important for babies because it contains many nutrients and body defense substances. After giving birth, all mothers will undergo the process of breastfeeding their babies. This moment is a new, unforgettable stage for every mother. Breast milk is beneficial for both mother and baby, apart from that it also brings the bond between mother and newborn baby closer.
Benefits of Colostrum for Newborn Babies
It has been explained above that colostrum is breast milk that comes out first after the mother undergoes the birth process. Colostrum has a different color and texture from breast milk. If breast milk is white and has a liquid texture, colostrum has a slightly yellowish color and has a slightly thicker texture than breast milk. Colostrum does have many benefits and is good for maintaining baby’s health. This is because colostrum contains high levels of antibodies and immunoglobulins so it is good for increasing immunity in babies. A newborn baby’s immune system is very low so they are susceptible to health problems. One intake that can be used to increase the body’s immunity is colostrum.
The following are some of the benefits of colostrum for newborn babies:
- Colostrum is Good for Newborn Digestion
Colostrum is an intake that contains high amounts of protein and vitamin A. This composition is good for the digestive health of newborn babies. The immunoglobulin content in colostrum also helps protect the intestines of newborn babies. Therefore, colostrum is needed because the digestion of newborn babies is fragile and has not yet developed well so not all food can be digested properly. - Colostrum Can Improve Newborn Immunity
Newborn babies have a very low immune system, giving colostrum can help maintain the baby’s immune system so that it becomes better. This condition is caused by colostrum having a fairly high antibody content. That way, babies avoid various health problems. - Colostrum to Fulfill Baby’s Nutrition
Colostrum contains protein, vitamin A, potassium, zinc and calcium, as well as other nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K and vitamin B complex which are good for fulfilling the nutrition of newborn babies. Consuming colostrum will also help the baby eliminate his first stool. Colostrum also has benefits as a nutritional supplement in the growth and development of nerves in babies. Babies who are given colostrum and breast milk have better weight gain and better brain development, when compared to babies who are given formula milk. - Colostrum Can Prevent Jaundice in Babies
Generally, jaundice in babies occurs due to a buildup of bilirubin, which is a substance that gives urine and feces a yellow color. If bilirubin levels are too high, the baby’s body may turn yellow. The colostrum that babies drink has a laxative effect, so that babies can get rid of bilirubin through feces better.
Benefits of Giving Colostrum to Mothers
Here are some of the benefits of giving colostrum by mothers to their babies:
- Mothers who give colostrum to their babies have a lower risk of uterine bleeding, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
- Breastfeeding can burn extra calories, so it can help mothers lose weight after pregnancy more quickly.
- When breastfeeding the body releases the hormone oxytocin, which can help the uterus return to its normal size before pregnancy.
- Giving colostrum to babies can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in mothers who have just given birth.
- The moment of breastfeeding when the mother gives colostrum for the first time can also improve the inner relationship between mother and baby. Newborn babies will also feel calmer when breastfeeding with their mother.
How to Give Colostrum to Babies
Generally, colostrum will come out when the baby is breastfeeding directly (IMD). But in some cases, mothers need to express colostrum or first breast milk so that the baby gets good nutrition. There are several conditions that cause this to happen, such as babies experiencing premature birth, mothers giving birth to twins who cannot be given breast milk or colostrum at the same time and babies who experience health problems when they are born.
Colostrum is the first milk that will mature and become breast milk as in general. So, there is no harm in always giving exclusive breast milk to newborn babies for the next 6 months. If the mother experiences difficulty in giving breast milk or breast milk production is not smooth, the mother is advised to always consult a doctor or midwife about this situation. In order to get the best solution for the health of mother and baby, of course.
