Breastfeeding is the natural and proper way for the human species to feed infants and young children, but how much do you know about it?
Colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced when breastfeeding begins, is the ideal food for a newborn. It is very concentrated, packed with proteins, and has a high nutrient density, so a small amount can satisfy the baby’s tiny stomach. It is also low in fat, easy to digest, and contains components that start the baby’s development in the best possible way. And perhaps most importantly, it plays a fundamental role in creating the immune system.
Colostrum has a thicker and yellower appearance than mature milk. Its composition is also different, as it is adapted to the specific needs of your newborn.
Benefits of colostrum
- Colostrum fights infections
Up to two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells, which protect against infections and help your baby begin to fight them on their own.
After leaving the protection provided by your body, the baby needs to prepare for the new challenges of the surrounding world. The white blood cells in colostrum produce antibodies that can neutralize bacteria or viruses. These antibodies are especially effective against intestinal problems and diarrhea, which is particularly important for babies with immature intestines.
- Supports the baby’s immune system and intestinal function
Colostrum is especially rich in a key antibody called “sIgA.” This antibody protects the baby from diseases, not by passing directly into the bloodstream, but by creating a lining in the gastrointestinal tract.
Colostrum is also rich in other immune components and growth factors that stimulate the growth of protective mucous membranes in the baby’s intestines. While this happens, colostrum’s prebiotics feed and create “good” bacteria in the gut.
- Colostrum helps prevent jaundice
In addition to providing protection against intestinal problems, colostrum acts as a laxative, allowing the newborn to defecate frequently. This helps empty the intestines of anything ingested during the stay in the womb, in the form of meconium, which is dark and sticky stool.
Frequent defecation also reduces the risk of the baby developing jaundice. Babies are born with elevated levels of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. When these cells break down, the liver helps process them, creating a byproduct called bilirubin. If the baby’s liver is not developed enough to process bilirubin, it accumulates in their system, causing jaundice.
- Vitamins and minerals present in colostrum
The carotenoids and vitamin A in colostrum give it its distinctive yellowish color.
The first three days are a crucial period for establishing breastfeeding.
Colostrum is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, which helps develop the baby’s heart and bones; copper and zinc, which help develop their immune system.
- Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop
Your colostrum contains other components that aid the growth and development of the newborn. Scientists are still researching the function of some of them.
Colostrum maintains the same composition for about 30 hours after birth; it has a relatively high protein content because all the antibodies it contains are proteins. It has a relatively low level of lactose (milk sugar), and the fat has a different composition than mature milk.
And since colostrum has a composition similar to amniotic fluid (which your baby has been swallowing and excreting in the womb), it is ideal to ease their transition to the outside world.
Breast milk expression and storage
It is necessary for all breastfeeding mothers to learn how to express milk as it will be very useful to overcome problems that can threaten the success of good breastfeeding.
There are several situations when expressing milk can be useful, such as:
- To feed a premature or low-birth-weight newborn who is still unable to nurse directly and who can benefit from the properties of breast milk that will help them recover and gain weight.
- To feed the baby when the mother returns to work.
- When the mother must be temporarily separated from the baby due to travel, illness, hospitalization, or simply to be away for a few hours for a special event.
- When it is necessary to increase milk production or volume.
- To relieve breast congestion when they become overly full of milk (as often occurs during the first milk letdown).
- To prevent duct blockages.
- To succeed in what we aim for through expression, it is important to start with realistic expectations. For example, knowing that the skill of expressing milk is learned, and over time and with practice, the technique improves. Also, the amount of milk expressed will vary depending on many factors such as the time of day, how skilled the mother is at expressing, how comfortable and relaxed she feels during expression, etc.
There are different expression techniques, and each mother will find the one most suitable for her and her situation.
Milk expression techniques
- Manual expression.
- Expression with a manual breast pump.
- Expression with an electric breast pump.
Manual expression
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Gently massage the breast in a circular motion as this will stimulate letdown (a warm cloth can be applied a few minutes before to help milk flow).
- Leaning forward, hold the breast with the hand placing the thumb above the areola and the index finger below forming a C shape.
- Push the fingers slightly backward (toward the chest wall) and press trying to bring the index finger and thumb together without reaching the tip of the nipple. Repeat rhythmically.
- Rotate the position of the fingers to empty all milk stores. Milk drips at first then flows.
- When the milk stops flowing, repeat the steps with the other breast.
Expression with a manual breast pump
This system allows expressing milk from one breast at a time and works by applying pressure on it through a lever or handle that the mother operates to regulate suction. It is an economical and simple system to use.
Expression with an electric breast pump
Electric breast pumps have a motor. There are single and double types.
For double pumps, expression can be done simultaneously on both breasts, reducing the time spent on this task. They are ideal for those who need very frequent expression.
They can also be used to express milk from one breast only.
The single electric pump has similar features to the double one but can only be used on one breast at a time. It is recommended for women who do not need frequent expression.
Things to keep in mind
The ideal time to express milk is after breastfeeding. For example, if the mother feeds the baby from only one breast, she can express milk immediately from the other breast. If the baby feeds from both breasts, it is advisable to wait about 20 minutes after the last feeding for expression to be easier.
Expressed milk can be combined in the same container regardless of which breast it came from or when it was expressed. That is, if there is a bottle in the refrigerator – not in the freezer – with previously expressed milk, milk expressed at that moment can be added to it.
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