Those deciding breastfeeding is something they will not opt for, they should breastfeed their newborn the first 4 days
KARACHI: Colostrum, which has also been called the ‘first milk’, ‘liquid gold’ or ‘immune milk’ is a clear, sticky, thick liquid that is produced on the day a child is born. Colostrum is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and hence, its benefits are enormous.
Colostrum is produced in very small amounts for the first four days and then replaced with a lighter thinner liquid (breast milk). Colostrum also contains antibodies, which are very helpful for a newborn’s immune system. It contains immunoglobulin A, which is an antibody that protects the baby against infections of the throat, lungs and intestines. It contains protective white cells, which help destroy disease bacteria and viruses. Colostrum has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well, and in fact, works like a naturally-occurring vaccine.
It contains large quantities of an antibody called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is a new substance to the newborn. Before the baby is born, it receives the benefit of another antibody called IgG through the mother’s placenta. However, IgA protects the baby from germs that attack mucous membranes in the throat, lungs and intestines. To those who decide that breastfeeding is something they will not opt for, at the very least, they should breastfeed their newborn for the first four days.
Sajid Hyder
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2014.
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