In the first hours and days after birth, your body produces a remarkable substance called colostrum. Sometimes referred to as “liquid gold,” this early milk is packed with everything your baby needs to transition into the world offering protection, nourishment, and comfort in every drop.
Colostrum is small in volume but mighty in impact. It’s quite different from mature breast milk in both appearance and composition and understanding what it is and how it works can help you feel more confident in those early feeds.
Whether you're planning to breastfeed, express, or just want to learn more, this guide will answer all your questions about colostrum: what it is, when it comes in, how much your baby needs, and why it’s so incredibly valuable.
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your breasts produce during pregnancy and in the first few days after your baby is born. It’s usually thick, sticky, and golden-yellow or creamy-white in colour.
Produced in small amounts, colostrum is perfectly tailored to meet your newborn’s needs. It's easy to digest, rich in antibodies, proteins, and white blood cells, and acts as a natural vaccine - providing immune support and a strong start to life.
When Does Colostrum Appear?
Your body actually starts producing colostrum during pregnancy, usually from around 16–22 weeks. Some people notice a small amount of leakage, but many don’t see or feel any change, and that’s totally normal.
After birth, colostrum is produced for around 2–5 days, until your transitional milk starts to come in and your supply gradually increases.
What Does Colostrum Look Like?
Colostrum can vary in appearance but is typically:
- Thicker than mature milk
- Yellow to orange in colour (due to high beta-carotene levels)
- Sometimes sticky, sometimes watery
- Small in quantity - think teaspoons, not ounces
Don’t be concerned if you’re not producing much, colostrum is highly concentrated and designed to be delivered in small volumes.
Why Is Colostrum So Important?
Colostrum is more than food - it’s protection, warmth, and medicine all in one. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Packed With Immune Support: Colostrum contains high levels of secretory IgA, a powerful antibody that protects your baby from bacteria and viruses. It coats your baby’s gut and helps seal it, reducing the risk of infections and allergies.
- Encourages Healthy Gut Development: The components in colostrum help form a healthy digestive system and support the growth of good bacteria. It also acts as a natural laxative to help your baby pass meconium (the black, sticky first poo).
- Supports Blood Sugar Regulation: Colostrum helps stabilize your baby’s blood sugar after birth, especially important for babies born to people with gestational diabetes.
- Promotes Bonding and Feeding Success: Feeding colostrum early and often helps stimulate milk production, establish breastfeeding rhythms, and build connection through skin-to-skin contact.
How Much Colostrum Does My Baby Need?
Not very much! A newborn’s stomach is about the size of a cherry on day one - so even 5–7ml of colostrum per feed is plenty. That’s why it’s often described as nature’s perfect portion.
Newborns typically feed 8–12 times in 24 hours, so offering colostrum frequently - even if it feels like they’re feeding all the time - is totally normal and encouraged.
Can I Express Colostrum?
Yes! Antenatal colostrum harvesting is safe for most people from around 36 weeks of pregnancy. You can hand express and store colostrum in syringes to use after birth, particularly helpful if:
- Your baby is expected to be born early or with health concerns
- You have gestational diabetes or other medical conditions
- You plan to combine feed or need a backup while establishing breastfeeding
Speak to your midwife before starting antenatal expression - they can guide you on when and how to begin safely.
How to Collect and Store Colostrum
Whether you're expressing during pregnancy or after birth:
- Wash hands thoroughly before starting
- Use clean, sterile syringes or containers
- Label with date and time
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer
- Thaw frozen colostrum gently in warm water, not the microwave
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Don’t worry about how much colostrum you make - every drop counts
- Try hand expressing if baby is struggling to latch or is very sleepy
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin after birth to help stimulate colostrum production
- Ask your midwife to show you how to hand express before birth - it’s a great skill to have!
What If My Baby Can’t Breastfeed Right Away?
If your baby is sleepy, premature, or unwell, and can’t breastfeed straight away, you can express colostrum and give it via:
- Syringe or spoon
- Cup feeding
- Feeding tube (if advised by neonatal team)
What Happens After Colostrum?
After 2–5 days, your milk transitions into mature breast milk, which gradually increases in quantity. You may notice:
- Fuller or firmer breasts
- Changes in baby’s feeding pattern
- More frequent wet and dirty nappies
- Longer and more rhythmic sucking
Keep feeding often, on demand, to help support your growing supply and baby’s needs.
Colostrum might be small in volume, but it’s absolutely mighty. It’s nature’s way of giving your baby everything they need in those first crucial days - immunity, nutrition, and nurturing.
