Colostrum: What Are the Benefits for Your Baby?

Colostrum is the initial form of breast milk your body produces during pregnancy and in the early days post-birth. Often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich yellow hue and benefits, colostrum is brimming with high levels of protein, antibodies and nutrients that are vital for a newborn’s growth and immune system. Unlike mature breast milk, colostrum is thicker, lower in fat and sugar, and easier for newborns to digest. It plays a crucial role in:

• Strengthening a baby’s immune system with antibodies

• Helping to develop a baby's digestive system

• Encouraging early digestion and the passing of a baby's first poo, reducing the risk of jaundice

• Helping to stabilise blood sugar in newborns.

Before your baby arrives, your body begins producing colostrum, the first form of milk, which later becomes mature milk within a few days after birth. Even a little of this powerful substance is packed with everything your newborn needs right from the start. We’ll explore colostrum benefits for a baby, how to express and store colostrum, when to give it to your baby, and how much they need during these important early days.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is essentially the first breast milk your body produces when you’re pregnant, making it your baby’s first meal if you choose to breastfeed. Colostrum is a highly concentrated form of breast milk that contains immune-boosting properties for your newborn. It’s packed with protein, salts, antibodies and protective properties, all of which are beneficial for your newborn. When compared with regular breast milk, colostrum is higher in protein but lower in sugar, fat and calories.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, in the first few days after birth, you will be feeding them colostrum before your regular breast milk comes in.

What Does Colostrum Look Like?

Curious about what colostrum looks like? Rich in nutrients and antibodies, colostrum is known for its thick and sticky texture, highlighting its concentrated nature.

The colour of colostrum can vary among individuals. Typically, it appears yellow or orange due to beta-carotene, the same compound that colours carrots. Nonetheless, clear or white colostrum is also perfectly normal.

Ever wondered why your colostrum might look clear? Even if it's a bit watery, it's still perfectly healthy and normal. Colostrum varies from person to person.

Colostrum Benefits for Babies

If you're breastfeeding, you can view colostrum as your baby’s first meal or a superfood, rich in antibodies, nutrients and protective properties. If you’re wondering what colostrum is good for or 'What does colostrum do? ' the answer is, quite a lot.

Here are some of the key colostrum benefits for newborns:

• Boosts your baby's natural defences. Colostrum lines the gut, shielding your little one's developing immune system from nasty germs.

• Gently aids early digestion. Its slow flow and easy digestion help babies naturally adapt to breastfeeding.

• Naturally tackles inflammation and germs. Packed with antibodies and white blood cells, colostrum helps fend off inflammation and keep harmful germs at bay.

• Supports baby's first bowel movements. Its natural laxative properties help your baby pass their first stool, meconium, reducing the chance of newborn jaundice.

• Supports blood sugar balance. Colostrum helps stabilise blood sugar levels in full-term babies shortly after birth.

• Extra nutrition for early arrivals. Premature babies benefit greatly from colostrum's nutrient-rich composition, providing them with the essential support they need.

These benefits of colostrum make it an essential first food, packed with protective and developmental advantages.

How Much Colostrum Does a Baby Need?

Colostrum comes in small amounts, but don’t worry: In the first few days after birth, your little one’s stomach is very small – on the first day it can only hold about five to seven millilitres at a time, so even a teaspoonful of this highly nutritious liquid is enough for a single feed.

As your breasts transition into producing more regular breast milk than colostrum, your baby’s stomach will also expand to accept more milk.

For more on breastfeeding in general, check out our breastfeeding tips. And if you're concerned about your milk supply, consult your GP for advice. You can also read our article on increasing breast milk production

Breast Milk vs Colostrum

In the first few days after your baby is born, you'll produce colostrum, a nutrient-rich early milk. Soon, your milk will transition to a lighter, more watery form before settling into mature milk as your breastfeeding journey continues.

Here are a few differences and similarities between colostrum and breast milk, both of which provide a multitude of benefits for babies:

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When Does Colostrum Start Coming In?

Expectant parents often wonder when colostrum starts being produced. This early preparation is a normal part of getting ready for breastfeeding. The answer might surprise you: your body can begin producing colostrum as early as 16 weeks into pregnancy, or later in the second trimester. This early production is completely normal and part of your body’s natural preparation for breastfeeding.

So if you notice a few drops of fluid, also known as colostrum leakage, well before your due date, don’t worry. It’s common for some people to see signs of colostrum before birth, and it doesn’t mean that labour is about to begin.

Conversely, it's perfectly normal if you don't experience any leakage during pregnancy. Just because you’re not visibly leaking doesn’t mean your body isn’t producing colostrum. Behind the scenes, your breasts are already getting ready to nourish your newborn, another way your body is preparing for parenthood.

If you do experience leakage, consider using breast pads in your bra. These can help absorb moisture and protect your clothing during this stage.

Whether you encounter colostrum before or after birth, it’s all part of your body’s amazing process of supporting your baby’s health from day one.

How Long Does Colostrum Last?

One of the most common questions new parents have is, 'How long do you produce colostrum? ' Typically, your body produces colostrum for 2 to 5 days after birth.

In the first days, your body starts adjusting to your baby's needs, with your breasts feeling fuller and firmer as they begin producing mature milk. Over the following weeks, this gradual change continues as your milk supply increases to meet your baby's demands.

How to Express Colostrum?

You can pump colostrum, but NHS guidelines recommend hand expression, especially in the early days and when collecting colostrum after birth. This is because the thick nature and small volume of colostrum can easily be lost in a pump, making hand expression more effective.

• Start with hand expression: gently massage and use a 'C-shape' thumb-and-finger technique, placing them ~2–3 cm behind the nipple, compressing and releasing slowly until colostrum appears.

• Once you’re consistently expressing enough, typically more than 5 mL, or by day 3 postpartum, you may introduce a pump. Use it alongside hand expression to capture the high-fat milk and boost supply.

• Store in sterilised syringes or containers: label with date/time.  Fridge (≤ 4 °C): store for up to 5 days (use within 3 if fridge is warmer).  Freezer (≤ –18 °C): store for up to 6 months in a freezer.

• If you're considering expressing colostrum while pregnant, NHS trusts typically advise:

  • Begin from 36–37 weeks gestation (after 37 weeks is safest)

  • Gently hand express for a few minutes, 2–5 times a day, gradually up to 5–10 minutes per session

  • Stop immediately if you experience contractions, and consult your midwife, particularly if you have risk factors like a short cervix, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labour.

Colostrum During Pregnancy

Producing colostrum while pregnant (also known as antenatal colostrum) may start as early as 16 weeks, and some people may notice clear, yellowish drops from around that time.

Collecting colostrum before birth can:

• Provide extra nourishment and immune support immediately after birth

• Help regulate your baby’s blood sugar and reduce jaundice

• Help you gain confidence in breastfeeding by learning how to express colostrum effectively

• This is especially useful if you have diabetes (gestational or pre-existing), high blood pressure, BMI ≥ 35, PCOS or are taking beta blockers. It’s also helpful if you anticipate a planned caesarean, twins or an infant with cleft lip/palate or feeding difficulties

You can label, refrigerate (use in 24 h), freeze (store up to 6 months) and bring to the hospital if needed.

The Bottom Line

Your newborn's first meal, colostrum, is invaluable in many ways. It's packed with antibodies, giving your baby a healthy start in life.

While we’re on the important topic of feeding your baby, you might want to learn more information about breastfeeding and formula feeding.

Alongside all those feedings, you’re bound to have plenty of nappy changes. Download the Pampers Club app today to start earning rewards on all your nappy and wipes purchases.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}