I remind my moms that a newborns' tummy is only the size of a marble and it
grows to the size of their fist in the first 3 days, just about the time
that their milk comes in. Then I educate them on colostrum:

*It contains over sixty components, thirty of which are exclusive to
human milk.
*Colostrum continues to offer the immunities that were available to your
baby via the placenta.
*It is high in protein, as well as fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
*Colostrum contains high amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride and
cholesterol thought to encourage optimal development of your baby’s heart,
brain and central nervous system.
*The yellow color of colostrum is due to B-carotene, one of the many
antioxidants present.
*Colostrum’s natural laxative benefit encourages the passage of meconium,
which reduces the risk of jaundice in your baby.
*This fluid is rich in immunoglobulins, which protect your infant from
viruses and infections.
*It continues to be secreted in breastmilk for up to two weeks postpartum.

Then I explain that frequent feeds of colostrum are important to their
baby's development and helps their milk come in quickly.

Ellen Penchuk, IBCLC, RLC

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