The body of a woman prepares for motherhood long before the baby is born. From the very first days of pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes, the body is transformed, each cell is adapted not only so that the expectant mother can bear and give birth to a baby, but also so that she can breastfeed him after birth.
One of the important preparatory points is colostrum during pregnancy. These are
transparent secretions that can leave stains on clothing if you do not use special liners. Colostrum is secreted usually a few weeks before birth. Although it is quite normal if it appears immediately after birth. Also very often colostrum begins to stand out during pregnancy at 22 weeks. Its early appearance frightens many women. This is due to the prevailing opinion about the approach of childbirth, which causes fear of their premature onset. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. In the same way as it is incorrect to try to squeeze out a few droplets from the mammary glands. Such actions can lead to infection penetrating the body through microscopic cracks in the nipples. And this is fraught with mastitis.
What role does colostrum play during and after pregnancy? This is the very first food that the baby receives after birth. It is most suitable for a newborn, as it is easily digested by the still weak digestive system, contributes to the passage of the first infant stool, which will help prevent jaundice.
In addition, colostrum is very nutritious and contains many beneficial substances. Even our ancestors collected colostrum cow and prepared from it a cure for many diseases. Modern medicine still uses this valuable product as a source of immunoglobulins that protects our body from the effects of viruses and bacteria. Of course, modern methods differ from the ancient ones in terms of manufacturability and hygiene, but the value of colostrum for health is still undeniable. Drugs based on it successfully replace antibiotics in the fight against viruses and infectious diseases, without causing harm to the body.
For the baby, this is a valuable source of proteins, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, vitamins. It also contains antibodies to the diseases that the mother suffered, and passes them to the baby, thereby starting to form his immunity. White blood cells present are also actively fighting infections and viruses. Colostrum is very high in calories; a newborn baby only needs a few drops to eat. Although gradually its calorie content decreases. But by this time, mother already had milk, lactation began to improve, and the crumb's appetite was satisfied with new food. So that there are no problems with breastfeeding, you need to apply a newborn to her as often as possible in the very first days of his life. This contributes to a better further lactation, and the baby itself receives milliliters of colostrum so valuable to him.
If the expectant mother had colostrum during pregnancy, there is no need to be surprised at this and, even more so, frightened. It just means that her body prepares the most delicious, nutritious and healthy food for her baby.