Colostrum breast milk. Breast milk. Colostrum and transitional milk. Participation in the activation of the work of internal organs

The composition of milk adjusts to the child, in the summer, when the baby has a large need for liquid, women's milk becomes more liquid and less nutritious. It is for this reason that a child who receives a breast on demand does not need to be supplemented with water up to six months. When frozen, the structure of milk changes, and therefore it may look transparent and “fat-free”. This is normal, its nutritional value has not changed, and you can feed your baby with such milk.

Colostrum and transitional milk

In some women, colostrum begins to be released at the end of pregnancy, in others it appears after the first application of the child. This is the secret of the mammary glands, which has a yellowish, white or cream color. It can be salty-sweet in taste. Colostrum is quite thick and a small amount of it provides the needs of the newborn for food. 3-4 days after the start of feeding, mature milk comes - colostrum becomes lighter and more liquid, its volume increases. Usually yellow colostrum and transitional milk are noticed by women who use a breast pump. This shade is the norm, and with proper lactation, by the end of the first week, the child will receive mature mother's milk in sufficient quantities.

hind and fore milk

More often than not, women notice the color of foremilk. It is very liquid, almost transparent, whitish. Foremilk is made up of water, vitamins, and milk sugar, and it fills the baby's need for fluids and carbohydrates. As the baby suckles, hindmilk begins to flow - white and of a denser structure. This is the most nutritious part of milk ─ the back portion contains proteins and fats. If you squeeze out a drop of milk at the very end of feeding, you can be sure ─ the milk is really white. Some babies are reluctant to suckle the rear portion because it requires a lot of effort - the mother hastily offers the second breast and the baby gets only the liquid part and a lot of milk sugar. It is with this that intestinal disorders, frothy stools and intestinal colic are associated - there are not so many enzymes in the child's body to process milk sugar. The child does not eat enough, does not gain weight, often wakes up. Needs to be adjusted breast-feeding, and not introduce supplementary feeding.

Color of milk at the stage of involution

If a woman breastfeeds for a long time, approximately 1.5 years after the start of lactation, the milk becomes smaller, it is thicker, resembles colostrum in composition and color. The main task of breast milk at this stage is to provide the child's body with immune protection, since he can already take food on his own. Milk is usually yellow, very thick.

blood in milk

The appearance of blood in milk may indicate bleeding due to benign and malignant neoplasms in the milk ducts, often during hot flashes, small vessels burst, and blood enters the milk. Cracks and microtraumas of the nipples, tight underwear, prolonged squeezing of the breast often lead to the appearance of blood in the milk. Such milk can be fed, but you need to see a doctor, find out and eliminate bleeding.

Pus in milk

With purulent mastitis, pus may be released into the thoracic ducts. According to WHO recommendations, it is possible to feed a child with breast milk from an affected gland, but with a high content of pus in milk, children in the first months of life may experience problems with stool. If for the period of treatment of purulent mastitis there is no pediatrician or obstetrician-gynecologist near the nursing woman who has the knowledge and experience in establishing breastfeeding for purulent mastitis, it is better to refuse feeding from the diseased gland. Gentle regular frequent pumping will help maintain lactation and prevent damage to other lobes of the gland. A greenish tint of milk may be if the baby has not been breastfed for more than 12 hours. A woman can express it, but it is safe for the baby.

It is possible to increase the consumption of hindmilk only by frequent attachment of the baby to the breast, long breaks between feedings do not contribute to the accumulation of "fatty" milk, but can provoke lactostasis or mastitis.

The cultivation of high-quality replacement heifers and heifers, as well as high zootechnical and economic efficiency in fattening young cattle, are unthinkable without knowledge of the physiological effect and nutritional value of the feed used.

In feeding calves, dairy feeds and their substitutes, concentrated and voluminous feeds - hay, silage, haylage, roots - and tubers, green fodder, mineral supplements are used.

In the first 5-7 days of lactation, the mammary gland secretes colostrum. It serves as the first and obligatory food of all newborn mammals. Colostrum is a thick yellowish liquid with a density of 1.04-1.06 g/cm3. Compared to milk, colostrum contains more dry matter, protein, vitamins and mineral salts. In terms of protein composition, it approaches blood, as it contains a lot of albumin and globulin. The latter is the carrier of all antibodies present in the blood of the mother's body. So, with colostrum, a newborn animal receives passive immunity from the mother against the group of Escherichia coli. because of great content albumin, colostrum coagulates when boiled. Compared to milk, it has more phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Thanks to magnesium salts, colostrum has a laxative effect on the intestines, which helps to cleanse it of the original feces (meconium). The composition of colostrum on the 5-6th day after calving gradually approaches the composition of normal milk (Table 1).

Colostrum has an acidity of 40-50°T. Such high acidity creates an unfavorable environment in the stomach of newborn calves for the development of putrefactive and opportunistic microflora. The brown-yellow color of colostrum is due to the high content of carotene. It is 50-100 times more in colostrum than in
I. Changes in the composition of colostrum in red steppe cows (according to I. S. Popov)

natural milk, and vitamin C - 10 times. 1 kg of colostrum of the first milking contains 4 mg of vitamin A and 2.1 mg of vitamin E. The complex of vitamins contained in colostrum is vital for a young organism, since vitamins are necessary not only for newly formed cells and tissues, but also for intensive metabolism substances, and the young organism does not yet possess the ability to synthesize some vitamins. On average, the nutritional value of 1 kg of colostrum is 0.38-0.43 feed units, and immediately after calving - 0.78 feed units.

The composition of colostrum and its nutritional value largely depend on the duration of the dry period and the feeding conditions of the pregnant cow. After a short dry period and insufficient nutrition in terms of protein, minerals and vitamins, colostrum contains less globulin, immune bodies, vitamin A and carotene; its acidity also decreases, and it loses its specific properties faster than usual.

The structure of diets has the greatest influence on the quality of colostrum and the duration of its preservation of specific properties. In the experiment conducted by V. N. Mikhailova and V. K. Kosmachev during the grazing season, the task was to find out the influence of the feeding conditions of pregnant cows on the quality of milk and their milk productivity. Group I cows received alfalfa grass while grazing in paddocks, and group II cows received grass from a mixture of cereals on a sown pasture during free pasture. Both groups of cows, in addition, received a cereal-bean mixture in the form of green top dressing. The difference in feeding significantly affected the quality of colostrum of newborn cows. The acidity of colostrum of cows of group I on the first day was 53°T, and in cows of group II - only 44°T. Subsequently, the decrease in acidity occurred equally in both groups, but on the 10th day in cows of group I, this indicator remained higher, in addition, they had a higher fat content of colostrum. In terms of vitamin A content, the advantage in group I was short-term, and by the 3rd day, its content was the same as in cows in group II.

The composition of milk is significantly different from colostrum. Milk has a characteristic odor and taste, which can be changed to some extent under the influence of feeding. Cow's milk contains an average of 87.7% water, 3.36% protein, 3.53% fat, 4.7% milk sugar and 0.71% ash, i.e. 12.3% of dry matter - The dry matter of milk contains on average 27.3% protein, 28.7% fat, 38.2% milk sugar and 5.8% ash. The energy nutritional value of 1 kg of natural milk of average composition ranges from 2850 to 3020 kJ, or 22,333-23,590 kJ per 1 kg of dry matter.

The nutritional value of 1 kg of milk with 3% fat corresponds to 0.31 feed units, milk with 3.5% fat - 0.34 feed units, with 4% fat - 0.37 feed units.

The density of milk fluctuates within the limits of 1.028-1.036 g/cm3 at a temperature of 15°C, inverse - 1.032-1.042 g/cm3. The reaction of milk of herbivorous animals is close to neutral (pH about 6.6-7). The acidity of fresh milk is 16-18°T and is due to the presence of proteins, carbon dioxide and mainly phosphate salts in milk. Milk is the most biologically complete food for growing calves, because its high nutritional value is due to the favorable ratio and physico-chemical state of nutrients and biologically active substances (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, etc.). The substances that make up milk are easily digestible and quickly absorbed by the body.

Within the same animal species, the composition of milk varies. The breed, conditions of detention, lactation period of animals, food, season, air temperature, etc., play on it. 2 is given chemical composition milk of some breeds of cattle.

2. The composition of milk in cows of different breeds on average per lactation,% (according to I. S. Popov)


A comparison of the composition of milk and the growth rate of newborn animals shows that the young of those animals whose milk contains the greatest amount of proteins and mineral salts, mainly calcium and phosphorus, necessary for building the skeleton, have high growth energy. The less proteins, phosphates, calcium and more chloride salts in mother's milk, the slower the animal grows (Table 3).

Thus, the energy nutritional value of 1 kg of milk in cows is on average 2720 kJ, in pigs - 7140 kJ, respectively, doubling the live weight of calves occurs 47 days after birth, and in piglets - after 14 days.

Milk contains about 100 different substances, including about 20 vitamins, 30 trace elements, 20 amino acids, 23 fatty acid.

From constituent parts proteins occupy a special place in milk. Milk proteins include casein, albumin and globulin. Casein accounts for about 85% of all proteins in milk. In milk, it is found in compounds with calcium (caseinates). The main difference between casein and other milk proteins is the ability to give a dense clot (ferment) under the influence of acids and rennet. This property is used in the production of cheese, cottage cheese, lactic acid products, etc.

Albumins make up about 15% of milk proteins. They are soluble and therefore remain after precipitation of casein in whey in an amount of about 0.5-0.7%. Globulins in milk are contained in small amounts (about 0.1%). Albumins and globulins do not form a clot under the influence of acids and rennet. Partial coagulation of albumin is observed when milk is heated to 60...65°C.

Since proteins in animals are formed from feed amino acids and partially from amino acids synthesized by the symbiotic microflora of the rumen, it is important that the diets are biologically complete. According to Table. 4, we can conclude that the ratios of amino acids in milk protein and in the body of calves are quite close.

Milk protein is absorbed by the body of the calf by 91-95%. In its composition, a significant place is occupied by essential amino acids, the amount of which in the proteins of summer milk is 73 more than in spring, and the content of lysine, aspartic acid, serine, glycine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine and leucine especially increases.

Milk protein is the most digestible and indispensable nutrient for preruminant calves.
4. Amino acid composition of the protein cow's milk and the body of the calf, % (according to I. S. Popov)

Along with protein, important integral part milk are carbohydrates. Experimental studies have established that young animals of early age absorb only glucose and galactose (lactose) from carbohydrates. This is explained by the fact that the activity of the lactase enzyme, which is necessary for the digestion of milk sugar, is very high during this period, and the amount and activity of the amylase and maltase enzymes required for the use of other types of carbohydrates are insignificant. Thus, in the first weeks of life, calves satisfy their need only at the expense of lactose, which is contained in colostrum, milk and skim milk. Starch, which is the main carbohydrate of plant feed, or its breakdown products - dextrins and maltose - are almost not absorbed by calves up to a month of age.

An essential component of milk is fat and r. It is an ester of glycerol and fatty acids. Specific gravity milk fat 0.93. The predominance of unsaturated fatty acids in it - oleic, linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic - causes it low temperature melting (25…30°С).

Milk fat, which is a concentrated form of available energy, is especially needed in the first days of the life of young animals, when the body

not yet able to digest polysaccharides. Each gram of fat, burning or oxidizing in the body, releases 39 kJ of energy, while 1 g of proteins - 23.9 kJ, and carbohydrates - 17.6 kJ.

Milk contains a small amount of phosphatides (lecithin, cephalin) and cholesterol. The lecithin contained in milk (0.1%), breaking down in the intestines, forms choline (vitamin B4), which is necessary to prevent fatty liver. In addition, phosphatides promote the formation of phospholipids in the intestinal wall, which stimulate fat absorption. Cholesterol, the content of which in milk is not more than 0.1%, is a structural component of the nervous tissue.

Neutral fats and fat-like substances of milk are easily absorbed by the body of young animals. The important role of fats containing unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic) in the prevention of certain disorders of cholesterol metabolism, in ensuring the normal function of the skin and growth of animals has been established.

Most expectant mothers expecting their first child believe that immediately after giving birth they will have milk. As a result, when they are faced with the fact that there is no milk, they begin to panic. Various homeopathic substances, herbs go in, and as a result, some come to the conclusion that they will not be able to breastfeed, starting already in the family home preparing a mixture for the child.

In fact, everything is not so simple, and certainly not as critical as it seems to inexperienced women in labor. How lactation is established in the first days after childbirth, as well as what colostrum and full-fledged mother's milk are, will be discussed in the article.

So, the first thing future mothers need to know is that in the first days of the very milk that we imagine, and which we will subsequently feed our baby, it does not happen. It comes only on the third, fourth day, and sometimes later. The first days after childbirth, a woman has only colostrum in her chest, and sometimes you can see colostrum during pregnancy - this is quite normal.

What is colostrum

If not during pregnancy, colostrum appears almost immediately after childbirth. What color is colostrum? This option is very individual. It can be pure white, or with a yellow tint, or transparent.

What are the benefits of colostrum?

Colostrum, firstly, is very nutritious, secondly, it is very fatty, and thirdly, it carries the elements of immunological protection that the mother passes on with her breast milk to the baby so that he becomes immune. And a clear immunity, which the baby himself will develop to protect against all kinds of microbes, appears only by six months. Therefore, if a mother begins to feed with colostrum from the first minutes of a baby's life and continues until milk comes, she thereby lays the ideal immune base for the future health of the child. Colostrum is so useful that you should never express it.

From the third or fourth day, a young mother begins to feel a surge of milk. This is manifested in swelling of the mammary glands, painful sensations in the nipples, and not infrequently, an increase in temperature to 37.5 degrees. During this period, it is very important to carefully monitor your breasts and your condition. Too much heat, fever, or vice versa - a feeling of cold, too hard breasts - all this suggests that you need to express milk. In addition, with the advent of milk, breastfeeding becomes the main task of the mother. Of course, a newborn baby is not able to cope with the decantation of his mother's breast on his own - he does not need a lot of milk. That is why doctors recommend expressing milk with your hands or using a breast pump after each feeding.

How to express breast milk

Most women face the problem of small nipples. And only some, more fortunate mothers, naturally get large enough nipples that are convenient for the baby to grab. In this case, as a rule, there are no problems with capture. What do you have to face with those who have small nipples? Basically, this is an incorrect grip, as a result of which the child not only cannot eat enough, but also brings great discomfort to the mother. It is not uncommon for breastfeeding to cause damage to the breast - cracked nipples.

In addition, if the child cannot take the breast well, he does not drink the amount of milk that he needs for proper and good development. Again, mommy's breasts remain undecreased, which leads to stagnation of milk, and can even cause such consequences as mastitis.

In the event that the mother's nipple is large enough, you can use a breast pump, the choice of which is very large in stores and pharmacies today. However, breastfeeding experts do not recommend using a breast pump when the nipples are small. In such cases, pumping is best done with your hands.

How to express breast milk with your hands? There is nothing difficult in this process, but you will have to be patient. In order to express milk, you need to slightly raise the chest with your left hand, and with your right hand slightly press on the halo and a little higher, move the milk towards the nipple. There should be no twisting or jerky movements. Everything is very smooth and gentle. When answering the question of how much milk can be expressed, it should be noted that until a feeling of relief appears. At first, expressing the breast can bring discomfort, but the procedure should not be neglected. Many mothers pour expressed milk into small containers and store it in the refrigerator. Feeding with expressed milk is very convenient in cases where the mother is sick, or she needs to leave on business, and the baby stays with relatives. You can read about how to properly store expressed breast milk.

Motherhood, from the point of view of psychological readiness, is laid from the very moment when the girl begins to realize her feminine principle. From that moment on, she begins to show interest in the relationship between mother and child. This interest is often manifested unconsciously, through the game, for example, in daughter-mothers. Thus, the girl experiences the model that is forming in her mind. family relations, gets acquainted with his future role as a mother. Therefore, it is more correct to speak of motherhood as well as a skill, and not just as an instinct inherent in nature.

Just as a girl prepares for motherhood throughout her conscious life, so does the entire period of pregnancy future mother learns to produce milk for the baby according to an individual recipe. With special trepidation, the future young mother awaits the moment of pregnancy, when colostrum appears. The secretion of this unique liquid from the breast during pregnancy signals the preparation of the mother's body for breastfeeding. What is colostrum and why is mother's milk so necessary for a newborn?

Colostrum is a thick, high-calorie, sticky liquid of a white, orange or yellow hue that begins to be produced in the body from the first weeks of pregnancy. An inexperienced mother who does not know what color colostrum should be, such unusual tones can alert. However, this phenomenon is quite natural. Warm shades are given to this nutrient liquid by carotene, a pigment that is a precursor of vitamin A and is found in large quantities in.

Primary mother's milk has a salty taste. This is due to the significant content of sodium chloride. Salted colostrum is well absorbed, as the qualitative composition of proteins and salts is close to blood serum.

Colostrum is excreted in rather small portions. The volume of the first doses of colostrum is only 10-40 ml, but due to its nutritional value and value, it fully satisfies the needs of the baby. This small amount of food is also associated with the very small size of the stomach of newborn children.

Colostrum, being the forerunner of transitional and mature milk, also differs in terms of its composition. Colostrum and mature breast milk are often referred to as "white gold" or "elixir of life". The healing liquid is endowed with these epithets for its amazing properties.

• Colostrum is very high in calories, but at the same time it does not pose a serious burden on the organs. gastrointestinal tract and liver.
• "Elixir of Life" is rich in immunoglobulins, macrophages, leukocytes that protect the intestines and the whole body of the baby from the effects of infections. The highest concentration of these protective substances is observed in the first hours of lactation. It is these substances that provide the strongest immune defense of the body and create favorable conditions for full development.
• Colostrum contains more protein, carotene, vitamins A, B12, E, K, mineral salts than in mature milk. The share of fats and milk sugar, on the contrary, is somewhat lower.
• The growth factors contained in the healing maternal fluid prevent the appearance of allergies in the baby.
• Colostrum has a laxative effect, which is very important when removing the original stool (meconium). This factor reduces the likelihood of developing physiological jaundice in children who are breastfed.

It is with these features that the huge benefits of breastfeeding a newborn are associated.

When does colostrum begin to be secreted?

The expectant mother can notice the release of colostrum on the mammary glands from the 13th week of pregnancy. Bright droplets of the substance can appear on a woman's nipples after taking a shower, during intense physical activity, or on hot summer days. At the same time, most often the appearance of colostrum on the nipples or underwear, the expectant mother notices in the third trimester, when the liquid begins to be released most intensively.

For some women, colostrum does not appear on the surface of the breast during the entire period of pregnancy. This is due only to the characteristics of the glandular tissue of the breast. Most likely, the fluid is enough space for the lobes and ramifications of the ducts in the mammary glands.

It should be noted that the process of excretion of colostrum during pregnancy is not a factor confirming the appearance of the required volume of milk at the birth of a child. Just like the lack of milk during pregnancy does not mean that a woman will not be able to breastfeed her baby.

transitional milk

From 4-5 days after delivery, transitional milk begins to be produced in the female breast. This substance, no less useful than colostrum, is rich in fats and, in its composition and appearance, approaches mature milk.

• Transitional milk changes its color to white or light blue. The concentration of sodium, carotene, vitamins and others useful substances in this liquid gradually decreases, but at the same time the proportion of carbohydrates and vitamins of group B increases. The volume of milk in a nursing mother also increases markedly.
• Salted colostrum is gradually replaced by lactose-rich sweet transitional milk. Lactose is involved in the development nervous system baby, functions as the main energy component. This disaccharide affects the formation of beneficial intestinal microflora.
• Transitional milk contains the most important complex of components that protect the child's body from tumor cells, causing their self-destruction. The scientists called these unique compounds the HAMLET complex, which is widely studied for the manufacture of anticancer drugs.

Transitional mother's milk will be produced until the baby reaches two weeks of age. Then it will be replaced by mature milk, which the baby will eat until the end of the breastfeeding period.

mature milk

After how much mature milk should come and when should colostrum appear? After 2-3 weeks after birth, transitional milk is replaced by mature milk. It is worth noting that the composition of all described breastfeeding products has not been fully studied. To date, approximately 500 useful components have been identified that contain mother's milk.

How useful is breast milk for a child and what is the secret of its uniqueness? Directly in the unique composition lies an amazing phenomenon and the amazing value of female breast milk.

• The milk of a nursing woman contains a significant amount of water (up to 87%). This property allows you to refute the fact that the baby definitely needs to be supplemented. In addition, breast milk is significantly superior in useful properties the water itself best quality. Mother's milk is a biologically active liquid, enriched with salts, vitamins and many other elements necessary for the child.
• Mature milk is rich in carbohydrates, including lactose. This disaccharide improves the absorption of calcium and iron, saturates the brain and promotes the development of the baby's nervous system. Human milk contains much more milk sugar than other mammals. For example, female dolphins, one of the most “intelligent” animals, rank second in lactose content in milk.
• Mature milk, like colostrum, is rich in proteins. Their special value for the child is due to the fact that each of these unique proteins is specially produced by the mother's body based on the specific needs of her child.
• The benefit of breast milk also lies in the fact that it is easily digested and absorbed. digestive system child. This feature is associated with the content in the "miraculous elixir" of special enzymes that speed up the digestion process.
• properties of breast milk and its vitamin composition associated with maternal nutrition. But, this does not mean that if the mother's diet is not varied, then the baby will not receive any components. The female body produces certain reserves of nutrients already at the stage of pregnancy. Therefore, often with a deficiency of certain substances, the mother's body uses these reserves. Therefore, mature milk is always balanced and contains the necessary composition.
• The temperature of breast milk is optimal for feeding and maintaining the integrity of all components, which are the benefits of breast milk.
• Mom's milk is also a source of beneficial bacteria, which are so necessary for the intestines of a newborn. The flora of the baby contains up to 99% of the necessary probiotics, which play a huge role in the development of the immune system of the crumbs.
• Surprising is also the fact that infectious disease a nursing mother, her milk changes its composition, being enriched with antibodies that will help the baby not get infected with the disease or it is easier to endure it. Thus, breastfeeding is also an amazing unique protection for the baby.
• The benefits of breast milk after a year do not decrease, despite numerous misconceptions. During this period, its function gradually changes. By the age of one, the baby is introduced to many foods, from which the baby receives the necessary nutrients. Therefore, the role of milk as a nutrient gradually decreases, although the concentration of fats in it increases. At the same time, the importance of milk as a natural antioxidant is preserved.

This list contains only a small fraction healing properties miraculous mother elixir. That is why breast milk is so important for a newborn. These factors cannot reflect the full benefits of breastfeeding, since many of its phenomena are not fully understood. Every year, scientists discover more and more beneficial compounds in human milk.

About composition variability

Milk in lactating women has an amazing ability to transform. Moreover, the composition of nutrients may vary depending on the needs of the baby. The color and content of colostrum changes throughout pregnancy and after childbirth, and how colostrum or mature breast milk looks like coming out of the breast depends on many factors, including the age of the baby. The composition of milk is different at different times of the day, at the beginning and end of feeding. It will change its properties if the baby is born prematurely or gets sick, if the baby is frightened or has painful gums, and in many other situations when the baby's body needs support.

Fore and hind milk

Mature human milk is usually divided into early and late, it is also called foremilk and hindmilk. At the beginning of feeding, foremilk is released from the breast, at the end - hindmilk. The difference between these nutrient fluids is palpable not only visually. What is fore and hind milk is well known to a nursing woman who has resorted to decanting. Foremilk has a bluish tint, rich in water, lactose, mineral salts, vitamins. The hindmilk is a rich white color and contains a large amount of fat. The density of the anterior breast milk is higher due to the lactose, minerals it contains. Therefore, hindmilk accumulates on the surface during pumping, forming a less dense and light component. In the container, these substances will differ significantly, a kind of line will form between them. In order for the baby to develop properly, when feeding, the baby must completely empty the mother's breast in order to receive the most nutritious late milk as well.

Imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk

A lot of controversy among modern doctors is caused by such a thing as an imbalance of fore and hind milk. This condition can occur in women with hypergalactia, when the glands produce more milk than the baby needs. This is possible if the child, having badly sucked one breast, receives a second one. At the same time, at the stage of feeding, the child does not receive the full high-calorie hindmilk. In addition, the baby may develop, since lactose-saturated foremilk too quickly enters the baby's intestines without having time to interact with lactase enzymes. Not fully split lactose can cause loose foamy stools, increased gas formation, and low weight gain in infants.

How is breast milk renewed?

The amount of milk depends on the effective removal of it from the mammary gland. It is updated constantly. The more actively the child suckles the breast, the more milk is produced and the sooner the gland is filled with a new portion of milk. The concentration of certain substances, including alcohol, antibiotics, allergens, also depends on their half-life, blood concentration, and many other factors. The ability to be updated every minute is also due to the fact that the substances of the nutrient fluid are designed to satisfy the urgent needs of the baby. Therefore, breast milk is renewed continuously and most intensively immediately after feeding.

How to improve the quality of breast milk

Sometimes, observing a clear liquid secreted from the breast, a woman may mistakenly conclude that her breast milk is of poor quality. Many loving moms are trying to improve the quality of breast milk with the help of certain products and diets, supposedly improving the properties and fat content of milk. Scientists have proven that the composition of breast milk meets the needs of the child, even if the nursing mother does not receive certain nutrients. In this case, the stocks laid down during pregnancy are used, and malnutrition can lead to disturbances in the body of only the most nursing woman. Mom can only accept and correctly use the gift that the nature of her baby has bestowed.

To understand how to improve the quality of breast milk, you also need to know that many components medicines, alcohol, nicatin enter the blood of a nursing woman, and, accordingly, into the baby's body when milk comes. Nicotine and alcohol cause toxic effects on the child. A young mother should avoid the use of excessive amounts of spices, extractives, garlic, horseradish, which can give her nutrient fluid an unpleasant taste.

Formulas for nursing mothers

Manufacturers of special powdered milk formulas for nursing mothers know how to improve the quality of breast milk. These supplements contain whole complexes of substances necessary for the development of the child. However, these funds are recommended rather for adjusting the nutrition of the woman herself and for replenishing her body with the necessary substances.

Some mixtures are indicated for women whose children are at risk of developing allergies. They use vegetable proteins ("Amalthea", "Madonna"). A certain food group for nursing is aimed at enhancing lactation. Such mixtures and specialized teas contain lactogenic additives - nettle, anise, cumin ("Lactamil", "Milky Way").

Sometimes an inexperienced mother is worried about questions: “Can breast milk not be suitable for a child?” It is worth noting that this formulation may be relevant only in some cases with lactase deficiency in the baby or in the presence of serious illnesses in the mother.

In custody

Thanks to this article, a young mother learned when colostrum should appear, why milk is prone to transformation, how quickly it is replaced " White gold”, how breast milk is useful for a baby, how to improve its quality and what a woman should do if there is an imbalance in milk.

In conclusion, I would like to set up mommy for long-term breastfeeding. This process has been overgrown with myths and fears over the years. Therefore, it is very important to abandon the many outdated misconceptions. For the development of lactation, it is necessary to be convinced of the benefits of breastfeeding, to provide the baby with optimal nutrition. Perhaps the most important criterion is that no single most advanced formula can replace the close emotional connection and feeling of happiness and peace that breastfeeding gives mother and baby.

Colostrum during pregnancy is an absolutely normal phenomenon that almost all expectant mothers face. Doctors agree when it occurs and what character it is, largely depends on the individual characteristics of the female body. Colostrum usually appears on early dates but sometimes at other stages of pregnancy. It is important for every woman to understand when there is cause for concern, and when not, and to know what hygiene procedures can be applied.

Colostrum is a clear liquid that is secreted from the nipples of a pregnant woman. It has a sweetish taste and a characteristic, not pungent smell. Simultaneously with the beginning of the production of this substance by the mammary glands, their increase and increase in sensitivity occur.

The chemical composition of colostrum includes many components that are beneficial for the unborn baby. The main ones are:

• food enzymes
• lactobacilli
• bifidumbacteria
• lactose
• vitamins of several groups
• iron
• fats and carbohydrates
• immunoglobulin
• other.

Due to such a rich composition, colostrum is considered a high-calorie product, 100 ml contains about 150 kcal. How is colostrum different from milk? To put it simply, its richness and the number of components. Colostrum is immature milk, which indicates that the body of the expectant mother is preparing for the upcoming lactation. That is, it is a sign that everything is normal.

Colostrum color and texture

What color is colostrum in a pregnant woman? Outwardly, this liquid is very similar to serum, that is, it is translucent, has a slight white and / or yellow tint. These characteristics are present in colostrum produced during the first trimester.

At 21 weeks and later, the color and consistency of discharge from the mammary glands changes. They become thicker and harder to squeeze out. The discharge contains a large amount of vitamin A, which gives it a light orange tint. The color of colostrum before childbirth becomes like milk - bright white.

Colostrum formation during pregnancy

After the process of fertilization of the sperm in female body there are many changes, and some of them affect the mammary glands. The formation of colostrum occurs throughout the entire period of bearing a child. Some experts believe that its appearance during the first trimester is normal, others - in the later stages. There is no exact answer to this question. There are differences depending on whether a woman gives birth for the first time or the second.

In primiparous women

Before the first birth, preparation for lactation begins a little later than before the next. The hormonal background of the expectant mother begins to change dramatically, and these changes occur for the first time, so they do not go smoothly. The course of pregnancy for the first time always has a risk of complications.

At the same time, the released fluid is formed under the influence of many processes and changes inside the woman's body. Therefore, the presence of a first or subsequent pregnancies is not a decisive factor.

In women who give birth again

The body of women who have already given birth knows what to prepare for and how to behave. The hormonal background becomes more flexible, it perceives any changes faster. The consistency of colostrum before delivery usually becomes immediately thicker, especially if a little time has passed since the birth of the previous child.

Colostrum can appear at different stages of pregnancy. Factors such as:

• nutrition for the expectant mother
• frequent visits to baths, saunas, hot baths
• having sex
• transferred infectious and other serious diseases
• frequent stress
• too intense change of emotional background (both positive and negative emotions)
• wearing tight, uncomfortable underwear.

As for the specific time, it is impossible to predict when colostrum will be released and whether it will happen at all.

First trimester

In some cases, breast discharge is the first sign of pregnancy. Even if the test is negative, there is no evidence of conception, the body begins to rebuild the hormonal background. Therefore, colostrum can be secreted from the first weeks and even days of pregnancy.

As a rule, during the first trimester, the amount of discharge is small, so this does not cause any particular inconvenience. If the liquid comes out in small droplets, then the woman may not feel it at all.

Second trimester

Starting from the thirteenth week, the process of colostrum production becomes more intense, so that it cannot go unnoticed. The secreted substance looks like serum, becomes sticky. There are yellow stains on clothes.

The amount of discharge can be different, from a few drops to several milliliters. Usually their appearance is not associated with the time of day. They can be released daily or periodically.

third trimester

During this period, the amount of colostrum is individual. Most often, there are no special differences from the second trimester, but for some it may stand out more intensely, while for others it may stop altogether for a while. The liquid may become similar to milk, but it can still be distinguished.

The release of fluid from the chest is accompanied by a number of inconveniences, especially if it is intense. Therefore, some pregnant women begin to express colostrum. Doctors do not advise doing this for two reasons:

1. Usually, the release of colostrum is accompanied by a slight itching, sometimes painful sensations occur. When pressing on the chest, they will only intensify, which will affect the general condition of the expectant mother.
2. When pressing on the chest, the uterus is stimulated. Depending on the gestational age, this can provoke either premature birth or involuntary miscarriage.

If there is a lot of discharge and there is an urgent need to get rid of them, the doctor may allow pumping. But he will definitely teach you how to do it right. For example, you need to squeeze not the nipple, but the breast itself. Colostrum after childbirth is usually allowed, especially if the baby cannot feed on its own. By this time, it has already turned into milk.

Deviations from the norm

Normally, the secreted fluid has the following characteristics:

• no smell
• yellow tint
• viscosity
• no impurities
• painless during discharge (slight itching and tingling is allowed).

Any deviations from these factors are an alarm signal in which a woman needs to see a doctor. Colostrum without pregnancy is also considered dangerous, its causes can be diseases of the mammary glands, severe inflammatory processes in the body and other factors.

A small amount of blood impurities is not a serious abnormality if it occurs in late pregnancy. If this happens constantly, and painful sensations appear, this is already an alarming sign. Also, there is always a cause for concern if there is a lot of blood coming out.

More often, colostrum with blood is a sign of an inflammatory process. Its focus can be both in the mammary glands and in other internal organs. It is important to pay attention to the well-being of a woman, which in such cases deteriorates sharply.

Also, blood in the colostrum can be a sign of neoplasms in the breast. Most often, it first flows from one mammary gland, and over time from the second. Education can be both benign and malignant. The sooner the expectant mother turns to the doctor, the sooner he will diagnose and take action. Usually, if blood is a symptom of neoplasms, there is also a change in the shape of the breast, the appearance of tubercles or depressions, redness of the skin.

Lack of colostrum during pregnancy

The absence of colostrum is not a deviation, in some women it does not appear at all during pregnancy. This does not mean that there is a threat to normal lactation. Usually, in the first days after childbirth, milk begins to stand out, and feeding takes place in the usual way.

According to statistics, there are about 5% of women in the world who cannot breastfeed. This is usually associated with concomitant pathologies and diseases of the reproductive and / or endocrine system of the body. In such cases, the lack of colostrum is one of the signs that milk will not begin to be produced. In modern clinics, this problem can be detected almost immediately after conception.

Sometimes women have a desire to massage their breasts, especially if they swell and itch. This cannot be done, since the mammary glands become so sensitive after conception that any wrong movement can affect the condition of the expectant mother and baby.

The chest needs special care. Compliance simple rules hygiene, such as wearing special underwear and pads, performing firming procedures and using cosmetics, will help not only monitor colostrum, but also the general condition of the glands.

Underwear and pads

Ordinary bras that a woman wore before conception must be hidden for the entire period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is allowed to wear only underwear made from natural materials, it should not contain bones. You will have to change bras as your breasts increase so that there is no discomfort. You can also buy underwear with an adjustable size.

Bra pads are designed to protect clothing from nipple discharge, including colostrum. They are disposable, so they need to be changed regularly. At least three pads must be changed per day, and if the discharge was intense, then more. This is important to prevent bacterial growth and infection.

Firming procedures

1. Wash breasts several times a day warm water without using any funds. It is important to do this after each change of pads.
2. Take a contrast shower. With the help of this procedure, you can strengthen the entire body, it has a particularly beneficial effect on the functioning of the circulatory system. You need to take a shower carefully, without strong temperature drops.
3. To do exercises. A gynecologist may recommend certain exercises that will strengthen the breasts and prepare the body for the upcoming birth. They are especially useful for last dates pregnancy.

Care cosmetics

Cosmetics for pregnant women is different from the usual, it should contain minimal amount chemical substances. It is recommended to lubricate the breast with moisturizing creams, paying special attention to the nipples. You can use baby nourishing cream, the movements when applying it should be smooth.

If cracks or other signs of skin irritation appear, the gynecologist prescribes the use of ointments with antiseptic properties, but their use should be strictly as directed.

Colostrum during pregnancy is a common occurrence that you do not need to be afraid of, but for which it is important to be prepared. Each expectant mother has its formation and selection individually. It may appear on different terms, have a different volume, or may not appear at all. It is only important to know what consistency, color and smell the liquid should be in order to immediately consult a doctor if there are deviations.