Those first feeds can feel puzzling. A baby sucks, swallows once or twice, then dozes off. Your breast feels “empty”. You may even wonder if anything is coming at all. And yet colostrum—thick, yellow-gold, made in tiny quantities—often is exactly what your newborn needs in the first days.
Parents in India also hear about colostrum in two different ways: as the first milk for babies, and as “bovine colostrum” sold as a supplement. Same word, very different purpose. Let’s bring clarity, calm, and practical checkpoints, with the science explained in simple terms.
Colostrum explained for parents
What colostrum is and when it appears after birth
Colostrum is the first milk produced at the end of pregnancy and during the first days after delivery. It comes in very small volumes, but it is highly concentrated—perfectly matched to a newborn stomach that is still tiny and to the immune needs of early life.
Some mothers notice thick drops during late pregnancy or soon after birth. Others do not see any leakage at all. That is common and does not mean there is no colostrum.
From a paediatric view, colostrum is not just “early milk”. It is a distinct biological fluid, rich in immune molecules and protective proteins that help the newborn gut and immune system adjust to the outside world.
How long colostrum lasts and how it changes
Typically, colostrum is the main milk for 2 to 4 days after birth. Then it shifts into transitional milk, and later into mature milk.
Many mothers notice milk “coming in” between day 2 and day 5. Breasts can feel heavier, warmer, and fuller, milk looks whiter and more fluid. This is a normal phase change—not a sign that colostrum was “not enough”.
Why colostrum is yellow and produced in small amounts
The yellow colour is linked to bioactive compounds and carotenoids (related to vitamin A). The small volume can feel surprising, but it fits newborn physiology: a baby’s stomach capacity is small, so feeds are meant to be small and frequent.
Across 24 hours, total production varies widely. A commonly quoted range for day 1 is about 10 to 100 mL, spread across many feeds. So “not much visible milk” is not the same as “not enough”.
Colostrum vs transitional milk vs mature milk: simple differences
- Colostrum: high in proteins and immune factors, low volume, high density
- Transitional milk: volume rises, energy contribution becomes more prominent
- Mature milk: keeps adapting over weeks, even within one feed it can shift (often more watery at the start, fattier later)
What’s inside colostrum
Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and immune protection
Colostrum contains immunoglobulins—IgA, IgG, and IgM. These antibodies bind microbes and reduce their ability to attach to the lining of the gut and airways.
- In human colostrum, secretory IgA is especially important for coating mucosal surfaces.
- In bovine colostrum, IgG is often higher, and supplement labels frequently highlight IgG as a quality marker.
This is often called passive immunity: the baby receives ready-made antibodies from the mother, active right where germs commonly enter.
Lactoferrin and other antimicrobial proteins
Colostrum also contains lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein. Many bacteria need iron to multiply, lactoferrin reduces free iron and also has antimicrobial and immune-modulating actions.
Growth factors (IGF-1, TGF-β, EGF) and gut maturation
Colostrum contains growth factors such as IGF-1/IGF-2, transforming growth factors (including TGF-β), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In simple terms: these support tissue growth and maturation—especially the intestinal lining.
A newborn gut barrier is still learning to respond appropriately to microbes and milk. Colostrum supports early strengthening of that barrier.
Oligosaccharides and prebiotic effects on the microbiome
Oligosaccharides in colostrum act like prebiotics—they encourage beneficial gut bacteria and shape early gut ecology.
Macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals: a concentrated milk
Colostrum provides macronutrients (notably protein) and a range of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A is often highlighted because it contributes to the colour.
Small volume does not mean small value.
Colostrum benefits for newborns
Mucosal protection against infections
Colostrum acts mainly locally. Antibodies and antimicrobial proteins support a balanced immune response at mucosal surfaces (gut and airways) and help slow the attachment of certain microbes.
Gut, microbiome, and digestive tolerance
A newborn digestive tract must adapt quickly. Colostrum supports gut lining maturation and encourages a microbiome profile that favours beneficial bacteria.
Helping pass meconium (a gentle laxative effect)
Colostrum can help the baby pass meconium (the first black-green stools). Passing meconium also helps reduce bilirubin reabsorption, which can matter when newborn jaundice settles slowly.
Supporting the newborn’s early transition
Hydration, immune support, digestive startup—colostrum contributes on several levels. For premature babies, the density of protective factors is one reason neonatal teams focus so much on early colostrum exposure.
Colostrum and breastfeeding: reassuring, practical landmarks
The first feed: in the first hour when possible
If medically possible, early skin-to-skin contact and early latching support lactation hormones (prolactin and oxytocin). Many babies are quietly alert soon after birth and show instinctive feeding cues.
How much colostrum is “normal” in the first days
Tiny feeds are normal. Colostrum may appear drop by drop. What supports ongoing production is effective, repeated stimulation.
Practical landmarks your care team may look for:
- feeds often 8 to 12 times in 24 hours
- swallowing heard or seen at times
- increasing wet nappies and changing stools
- weight monitoring, followed by weight regain
If you feel like you have “nothing”, your baby may still be getting colostrum.
When baby is sleepy, or latch is difficult
Sleepiness in the first day is common. Skin-to-skin, switching sides, and gentle breast compressions can prompt more active sucking. If transfer is still poor, hand-express a few drops of colostrum and offer it by spoon or sterile syringe if advised.
Seek support quickly if nappies stay dry, baby is too drowsy to feed repeatedly, or pain makes feeding hard.
From colostrum to mature milk: what the transition can feel like
As milk volume increases, breasts may feel tight and uncomfortable. Mild fullness is common. But persistent pain, nipple trauma, or a baby slipping off the breast deserves early support.
After a caesarean birth, the start can feel slower due to discomfort or separation for monitoring. Still, colostrum is usually present. Frequent attempts, help with positioning, and expressing if needed can protect supply.
Expressing, collecting, and storing colostrum
Hand expression: often ideal in the very beginning
Because colostrum is thick and low-volume, hand expression can be very effective.
A practical method:
- wash hands, sit comfortably
- gentle massage, warmth can help
- place fingers in a “C” shape a few centimetres behind the areola
- press back, then compress forward rhythmically
- collect drops with a spoon or sterile syringe
Using a pump: when it may help
A pump may help if the baby is not transferring milk well, if there is mother–baby separation (NICU, recovery room), or if stimulation is needed. Some mothers do a short pump session and then collect the thicker colostrum by hand.
Storage and hygiene basics
Storage guidance can vary by hospital, but these principles are consistent:
- use sterile containers (often 1–5 mL syringes)
- label date and time
- keep the cold chain
- thaw in the fridge or in warm water
- avoid microwaving
- do not refreeze after thawing
Antenatal colostrum expression: only with professional guidance
In some situations, expressing colostrum from 37 weeks may be discussed (for example, when a baby may have higher risk of low blood sugar after birth). This should be done only with guidance from a doctor or midwife.
Specific situations where colostrum matters even more
Prematurity
For premature babies, colostrum supports immune function and intestinal maturation. If sucking is not possible, the NICU team may give tiny measured amounts as per protocol.
Mother–baby separation
When mother and baby are separated, the goals usually are: provide colostrum to the baby when possible, and protect milk supply by expressing regularly.
A difficult start: common reasons and helpful adjustments
Sleepiness, post-operative pain, shallow latch, tongue-tie, or caesarean birth can contribute.
Adjustments that often help:
- assess latch and milk transfer
- change positioning
- offer the breast more frequently
- collect colostrum and offer expressed milk via spoon/syringe if advised
- monitoring: weight, urine and stools, sometimes blood glucose
Human colostrum vs bovine colostrum (supplements) and why they are not equivalent
Why supplements use bovine colostrum
Supplements sold as “colostrum” are nearly always bovine (cow) colostrum. It is widely available and naturally rich in antibodies—especially IgG.
Key differences that matter for families
Human colostrum is tailored for human newborns and is especially rich in secretory IgA. Bovine colostrum is tailored for calves and is typically richer in IgG. In humans, many proteins are partly digested.
So bovine products do not replace breastfeeding colostrum for a newborn.
Claims, evidence, and precautions around supplements
Bovine colostrum supplements are marketed for immune or digestive support. Evidence is mixed and varies by product quality, processing, and dose.
Cautions:
- possible allergy to cow’s milk proteins
- digestive side effects
- uneven quality and variable testing standards
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic illness, speak to your clinician before using bovine colostrum.
Colostrum supplements: forms, quality, and how to choose
Powders, capsules, chewables, lozenges, and liquids: pros and cons
- powders: flexible dosing, mix into cool foods/drinks
- capsules: convenient, may need multiple capsules
- lozenges/chewables: easier to take, may contain sweeteners/additives
- liquids: may be convenient, may need careful storage
Standardisation and quality markers: IgG content and bioactivity
For bovine colostrum, IgG content is often used as a quality marker. Prefer labels that clearly state IgG per serving (mg).
Sourcing, traceability, and ethics
If sourcing matters to your family, look for batch/lot numbers and clear traceability.
How to take colostrum day to day (supplements)
Dosage ranges and trial periods
There is no single agreed dose across studies. If you choose bovine colostrum, follow label dosing from a reputable manufacturer. A time-limited trial (for a few weeks) with symptom tracking can help you decide.
Timing and tolerance
Some take it on an empty stomach, others tolerate it better with food. If nausea occurs, take it with meals and start with a smaller dose.
Safety, side effects, and when to be cautious
Common side effects and ways to improve tolerance
Most complaints are digestive: bloating, nausea, gas, looser stools. Starting low and increasing gradually can help.
Cow’s milk allergy vs lactose intolerance
- cow’s milk allergy: immune reaction to milk proteins, avoid bovine colostrum
- lactose intolerance: difficulty digesting lactose, symptoms are usually digestive
Colostrum and eczema or allergy-prone children
Bovine colostrum is still a cow’s milk product. With confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy, it should be avoided. When allergy status is unclear, a clinician’s input is sensible, especially if there is wheeze, hives, swelling, or a past severe reaction.
When to seek medical advice
Extra caution is needed for children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, poor growth, persistent digestive symptoms, multiple allergies, or chronic illness. Stop and seek urgent care for allergic signs like hives, facial swelling, wheeze, or breathing trouble.
Colostrum expectations and common misconceptions
“Small amounts mean my baby is not getting enough”
Small volumes are expected in the first days. Colostrum is concentrated, the newborn stomach is small, and frequent feeding is normal.
“Bovine colostrum supplements equal breastfeeding colostrum”
They do not. Human colostrum is uniquely adapted to human newborns, and bovine products are not a substitute for early breastfeeding.
Key takeaways
- Colostrum is the first milk, usually present for 2 to 4 days, then transitional milk and then mature milk.
- It is made in small amounts because that is what a newborn stomach can handle, colostrum is concentrated and high-value.
- It contains antibodies (especially secretory IgA), lactoferrin, growth factors, and oligosaccharides that support immune defence and gut maturation.
- It can help pass meconium and may reduce bilirubin reabsorption when jaundice settles slowly.
- Hand expression and safe collection/storage can help during prematurity, separation, or a difficult start.
- Bovine colostrum supplements are not equivalent to human colostrum, evidence is mixed and caution is needed with milk allergy, digestive intolerance, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and chronic illness.
- Support is available: your obstetrician, midwife, lactation consultant, and paediatrician can guide feeding and supplementation decisions. You can also download the Heloa app for personalised advice and free child health questionnaires.
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