Page 10 - GCMC Second Trimester

WHAT IS COLOSTRUM?
Colostrum is sometimes referred to as “liquid gold” or “high octane milk” because there is a small volume produced and it contains a very high amount of nutrition.
When you feed your baby for the first time, we often say that you are
giving your baby its first vaccination. This is because colostrum contains high amounts of antibodies and immunoglobulins. Colostrum also contains high
concentrations of leukocytes—protective white cells—which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
All of this helps turn on your baby’s immune system to help fight bacteria and keep your baby healthy.
Colostrum also has an especially important role to play in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. A newborn’s intestines are permeable. Colostrum
seals the holes by “painting” the gastrointestinal tract with a barrier which mostly prevents foreign substances from penetrating and possibly
sensitizing a baby to foods the mother has eaten.
UNICEF, World Health Organization, and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a baby’s life. This is based on scientific evidence that shows benefits for infant survival and proper growth and development. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients needed during the first six months of life. Exclusive breast- feeding may also reduce infant deaths caused by common childhood illnesses, such as diarrhea and pneumonia, and helps recovery during illness.
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Breastfeeding
As you progress through the second trimester, your breasts will continue to change to prepare for breastfeeding. By the end of the seventh month and the beginning of the eighth, you may notice small amounts of thick, yellowish liquid called colostrum on your nipples. Some women leak colostrum at the end of pregnancy and some never leak. In both cases, this is normal.
When your baby is breastfed early and often, your breasts will begin producing mature milk around the third or fourth day after birth. Your milk will then increase in volume and will generally begin to appear thinner and whiter (more opaque) in color. In those first few days, it is extremely important to breastfeed your newborn at least eight to 12 times during a 24- hour period, and more often is even better. This allows your baby to get all the benefits of the colostrum and also stimulates production of a plentiful supply of mature milk.
Breastmilk is the best food for almost all babies. It contains nutrients a baby needs for healthy growth and development during the first six months of life. Talk to friends, family and health care providers about your decision to breastfeed, and ask how they can support you once the baby is born.
To provide the best benefits to mother and baby, we recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months after birth. Breast milk is the best for your baby and contains vitamins and nutrients your baby needs and has disease-fighting substances to protect your baby from many illnesses.