Many women, when seeing the condition of colostrum as clear as water, expressed their concerns. So is this a sign of breast milk abnormality or not?
You don't have to wait until your baby is born to have colostrum. The mother's body starts to produce milk from the 6th month, even the 4th month of pregnancy. So how is colostrum color normal? Is colostrum as clear as water? The following article will help you find the answers to the above concerns.
What's in colostrum?
Colostrum is touted as "liquid gold" for babies. So what's in colostrum?
First of all, in colostrum there are millions of living cells including white blood cells. These are important cells that make up the human immune system. They help children's organs develop and prevent common diseases.
- Pregnant woman's colostrum also contains more than 1,000 protein to help the baby grow and develop. They also work to help activate the baby's immune system. In particular, it helps to develop and protect nerve cells in the brain of the child.
There are many simple sugars in colostrum that act as prebiotics. They are responsible for nourishing the 'good bacteria' in your baby's gut. They also prevent infection from entering the baby's bloodstream and reduce the risk of encephalitis.
- Pregnant mother's colostrum contains more than 40 enzymes to support the baby's digestive system and immune system. This precious liquid also helps the baby absorb iron effectively.
Colostrum is also rich in vitamins and minerals that help build your baby's teeth and bones.
Usually colostrum is watery, white or yellow in color
Above are just some of the ingredients in breast milk. Besides, there are still many other beneficial substances in breast milk. So this is one of the most important sources of nutrition for babies.
When does colostrum appear as clear as water?
Colostrum is usually clear as water, yellow or white. Therefore, when a mother secretes colostrum as water, that does not mean abnormal. Colostrum produced during pregnancy is usually yellowish in color. However, as the date of birth, the color of colostrum changes.
According to doctors, it is normal to release colostrum as watery during pregnancy. It usually appears from the 6th month onwards. The closer you are to the date of birth, the more colostrum secreted will be. Maybe in the first 4 days after birth, the color of milk is still as clear as water. After that, the milky color will gradually turn yellow or white.
Water-clear colostrum also occurs during pregnancy
However, if the pregnant mother produces colostrum too soon, it should be cautious. If colostrum appears from month 5 and before, the mother should see a doctor. It could be a sign of hormonal changes in the body. Particularly for mothers who are nursing children, if detected in colostrum contains blood, the nipples are tense and pain should also be examined immediately.
Colostrum like water has enough quality?
Although colostrum is as clear as water still has all the properties of the "liquid gold" that babies need. The nutrients in colostrum are slightly different from those found in mature milk (which appears 3-4 days after birth). Research shows that colostrum contains live antibodies, proteins and fats. In addition to forming the immune system to protect the baby, colostrum also has a laxative effect. It helps the newborn get rid of all the meconium in the first few days after birth. When a baby excretes su stool, it means that excess bilirubin is released. From there, the baby will avoid or reduce newborn jaundice.
In many mothers, colostrum sometimes only about a teaspoon. However, mothers do not need to worry, although there is little effect of colostrum, colostrum effect is still great. Babies who are fed colostrum will grow better, get sick less. Even with colostrum, babies can have a higher IQ.
Babies who are fed colostrum will do better than babies who do not
In conclusion
Colostrum is rich in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and live antibodies. Babies who receive colostrum from their mothers are automatically protected against a variety of bacterial and viral diseases. If you can, don't skip giving your baby colostrum after birth.
See more:
Does colostrum at 22 weeks bring benefits or harm to pregnancy?
Mother elected to be born colostrum or not?
Pregnant mothers do not be subjective when they see colostrum phenomenon on one breast