The birth of a child is a miracle and a life-changing event. Fortunately, after the exhausting birth, mothers do not have to worry about food for the new family member if they breastfeed. Because in the first days after birth, mothers produce the first food that babies consume, the so-called Colostrum. Colostrum differs once again from «normal» breast milk, and this first food plays an essential role for the infant's health and early childhood development. Colostrum, often called the «first milk», è un sorprendente elisir biologico che non solo nutre il bebè nei primi giorni di vita, ma esercita anche un'influenza duratura sullo sviluppo nella prima infanzia e sul Sistema immunitario.

In this article, Part 6 of the Colostrum series, we will take an in-depth look at the significance of colostrum (what is it?) for infants e comprendere perché sia di fondamentale importanza per il Sistema immunitario e per la crescita dei neonati. Desideriamo inoltre spiegare perché le madri che non possono o non vogliono allattare dovrebbero eventualmente ricorrervi.

Il colostro contiene anticorpi, in particolare l'immunoglobulina A (IgA). Poiché il Sistema immunitario di un neonato non è ancora maturo, questi anticorpi svolgono un ruolo importante nei primi giorni di vita nella naturale interazione delle difese immunitarie.

Il Sistema immunitario umano può essere suddiviso in due parti: quello innato e quello acquisito. I bebè vengono al mondo con il proprio Sistema immunitario innato, ma quello acquisito non è ancora sviluppato, poiché devono prima entrare in contatto con il mondo esterno e «acquisirlo».

Healthy babies grow a full 25 cm in their first year of life. Various growth factors, such as insulin-like Fattore di crescita 1 (IGF-1), play a role in connection with the growth and development of the infant.

Il fattore di crescita insulino-simile 1 (IGF-1) è associato alla formazione di tessuti e organi, aspetto importante per il bambino e per lo sviluppo nella prima infanzia.

Colostrum is a true cocktail, or let's rather say mocktail, containing nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats that are important for the baby's growth and development.

The protein casein in colostrum is particularly relevant, as it is a good source of important amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are related to the growth and development of tissues, organs and muscles. In babies, especially during the first months of life, an adequate protein intake plays an important role for growth.

I globuli bianchi, noti anche come leucociti, sono un altro componente del colostro. Sono collegati al Sistema immunitario innato del lattante.

The white blood cells play a role in recognizing pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi by phagocytosing (absorbing and digesting) or destroying them. The ability of leukocytes to react quickly without requiring specific adaptation is an essential aspect of the innate immune system.

Colostrum contains high concentrations of antibodies. These antibodies are part of the infant's immune defense. They bind to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

L'IgA è l'anticorpo predominante nel colostro e svolge un ruolo importante in relazione al Sistema immunitario del neonato. È rilevante nelle mucose dell'intestino e delle vie respiratorie, aspetto particolarmente importante poiché la maggior parte delle infezioni penetra attraverso queste vie.

Le immunoglobuline sono importanti soprattutto per i neonati, che incontrano molti nuovi familiari e amici che portano naturalmente con sé agenti patogeni e batteri. Il Sistema immunitario del bebè deve infatti reagire ai numerosi batteri e agenti patogeni sconosciuti, che per noi adulti non hanno quasi più rilevanza, perché il nostro Sistema immunitario acquisito conosce già questi agenti patogeni.

Il colostro è collegato non solo alla difesa immunitaria immediata, ma anche allo sviluppo del Sistema immunitario del lattante. In questo periodo il Sistema immunitario di neonati e bambini piccoli impara a riconoscere gli agenti patogeni e a reagire in modo adeguato.

The fact that colostrum is naturally produced by mothers, or female mammals, shows the amazing capability of Mother Nature.
Evolution has produced this special food, which is related to the nutrition and survival of newborns. It is remarkable how mothers produce this first milk to give their newborns a good start in life.

The significance of colostrum for early childhood development is also considered beyond the first weeks and months of life. Research is examining how breastfeeding in the first days after birth and receiving colostrum relate to the child's later health.

Studies have dealt, among other things, with topics such as diabetes, obesity and allergies later in life.

Latching the baby onto the breast early after birth is crucial for stimulating the production of colostrum. The baby's sucking movements promote milk and colostrum production.

So if initially no milk or colostrum comes from the breast, there is no reason to worry yet. The baby should still be latched on. Many mothers only produce the first milk 2–3 days after the baby's birth.

Skin contact between mother and child directly after birth has many benefits, including promoting breastfeeding and colostrum production. The newborn should therefore lie on the mother for as long as possible to promote a close bond.

Frequently latching the baby on promotes milk production. In the first days, the child should be breastfed on demand, which is usually the case every 2–3 hours.

The mother's diet also plays an important role in quality. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is crucial to meet the baby's needs and to be able to offer it high-quality colostrum.

What can one do if one cannot breastfeed oneself or wants to continue to benefit from the golden milk after the mammary glands only produce regular breast milk?

Colostrum is a special gift of nature to newborns. It contains antibodies, growth factors, nutrients and other bioactive compounds that are related to early childhood development.

It plays a role in connection with the infant's immune defense and with the development of its immune system. Moreover, it is related to the growth and development of the child.

In our world, where daily challenges and environmental factors play a role for infants, colostrum remains an important topic. It is a natural and sustainable resource that is intended to give children all over the world a good start in life.

It is therefore of great importance to raise awareness of colostrum and to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies. If breastfeeding does not go smoothly, or you do not want or cannot breastfeed, colostrum can be considered as a supplementary food.

The first milk is not only nourishment, it also stands for closeness, care and a good start in life.

If you want to give your baby colostrum or take it yourself as a mother, then choose trustworthy and ethical providers who offer high-quality colostrum in capsule form. If it is cold-filtered, the nutrients it contains are largely preserved.

In addition, you should discuss your child's feeding with a specialist beforehand. The information in this blog is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice.