Colostrum, Complete and Natural Nutrition for Babies

Colostrum is the first food for newborns that comes out of the breast of the mother, before breast milk (ASI). Colostrum has many important roles for baby's health, one of which is to help strengthen your baby's endurance. Colostrum has been produced since pregnancy, up to 2-4 days after giving birth. The color and texture of colostrum is slightly different from breast milk. Colostrum is golden yellow and the texture is thicker. A few days after the baby is born, colostrum will be replaced by transitional breast milk, before finally becoming the real breast milk. Gradually, the milk will become thinner and the color whiter.

Know the contents of Colostrum

The average woman will produce about 50 ml of colostrum fluid, within 48 to 72 hours after giving birth. Colostrum contains white blood cells and immune-forming substances called immunoglobulins. Both of these ingredients play an important role in helping the baby's body fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause infections. Not only that, colostrum also contains important nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, vitamins A, B, and K, as well as potassium, zinc, and calcium needed by infants to support their growth and development process.

Various Benefits of Colostrum for Babies

There are many benefits of colostrum for baby's health, including:

1. Increase endurance

Many health studies have revealed that colostrum is very important to strengthen the baby's immune system. Babies given colostrum and breast milk have been shown to be sick less often. Colostrum makes the baby more protected from various diseases, such as pneumonia, flu, bronchitis, and diarrhea.

2. Supports digestive health

Colostrum taken by the baby will become a thin layer in the digestive tract. This layer acts to protect the intestines and stomach from irritation and infection. A healthy digestive tract will make the baby able to absorb nutrients better. In addition, colostrum can also prevent the baby's risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), an infectious disease that can damage the intestinal wall of the baby. This disease can endanger the lives of babies if not treated.

3. Prevent jaundice

Yellow babies generally occur because of the buildup of bilirubin, a substance that gives the urine and stool yellow. If the bilirubin level is too high, the baby's body can turn yellow. Colostrum taken by infants has a laxative effect, so babies can get rid of bilirubin through the stool better.

4. Supports optimal growth and development

Colostrum has benefits as a nutritional supplement in the growth and development of nerves in infants. Babies who are given colostrum and breast milk have a better weight gain and brain nerve development, when compared with babies who are given formula milk. Besides being beneficial for babies, colostrum is also beneficial for nursing mothers. according to research, mothers who breastfeed and give colostrum to their babies are at lower risk for developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. Try to give the baby colostrum immediately after giving birth. If you find it difficult to produce colostrum and breast milk, do not hesitate to consult with a lactation consultant or obstetrician.

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