Importance of colostrum

The nutrients in breast milk vary throughout lactation and after the first few weeks the fat and lactose content increases.

The first milk secreted after delivery is what is known as colostrum and begins to be produced around 12-18 weeks of gestation. One of the benefits of colostrum is that it acts as a laxative, helping the baby's first stools to pass.

Another reason for giving colostrum to the baby is that it allows for the reduction of yellow coloration in the newborn.