The milk secreted by the mother within 1-5 days or 1-7 days after delivery is called colostrum. Colostrum is yellowish-white in color, thin and watery, and contains a large amount of protein and minerals, with less sugar and fat, making it most suitable for the digestive needs of newborns. However, in some places, influenced by old customs and a lack of scientific knowledge, there is a belief that the small amount of yellowish milk produced in the first few days after delivery should be discarded, considering it unclean and low in nutrients. In fact, colostrum not only has high nutritional value but also has immunological effects.
According to the analysis of the nutritional components of breast milk from 1 to 16 days postpartum, colostrum has a high content of immunoglobulin and contains a large number of immunological substances, which can protect the mucous membranes of the newborn's digestive and respiratory tracts from microbial invasion. However, the concentration of these substances in the newborn's body is extremely low. If the newborn is fed with breast milk, they can have the ability to prevent infection for a period of time after birth. Colostrum contains neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which can directly engulf microorganisms and participate in immune reactions, enhancing the newborn's immune ability.
Colostrum also contains abundant trace elements (such as zinc), which are beneficial for promoting the growth and development of infants, especially the development of the nervous system. Colostrum has a laxative effect, which can help newborns eliminate meconium at an earlier stage.
Therefore, it is evident that the mother's colostrum is the most ideal nutritional and health food for newborns. Therefore, newborns should be allowed to suckle colostrum and it should not be discarded.
