I have read and re-read all the posts about minimal colostrum and finally
could not stand it any longer. Colostrum comes in WIDE variations.  Not
just drops or a few ccs.  I have seen mothers as early as 30 hours
postpartum, put out OUNCES of the stuff!  Do not be fooled.  It can come in
large amounts just as often as it comes in small amounts.  The only reason
we would know this, however, is if the mother is expressing it before
giving it to baby.

Baby gets the RIGHT amount for him/herself if put to breast.

Another thing: colostrum amounts (to be a purist here for a moment) are
different with each subsequent feeding.  Why? Because mature milk starts
being produced following birth of the placenta.  Thereafter every feeding
represents a different concentration of "colostrum" (what I call early
milk) to mature milk (what I call later milk).  The mixture is variously
called "transitional milk." The point, here, is why are we distinguishing
early milk from other kinds unless the color has to be explained?  If
mother does not see the milk, will she know what color it is?  Does the
baby care?  If dealing with cultural beliefs about early milk, use whatever
method you can to assure mother of the value of the early milk and go from
there.

It is unwise to get hung up on amounts.  Follow the advice of a wise person
who already posted: the amount the mother saw was just the RIGHT amount for
her baby at that time.

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"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly
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Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC (Ferndale, WA USA) [log in to unmask]
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