Foremilk: what is it and what is it used for?
First milk, also called colostrum, is the liquid your body produces before the actual milk comes in. Read here what makes foremilk so unique.
Foremilk – What is it?
The foremilk is viscous, slightly slimy and yellowish. It can already be secreted in small amounts during pregnancy, since it is already produced in the first phase of pregnancy. The reason for this production is the hormones estrogen and progesterone . Although only a very small amount of colostrum is formed, this milk is very valuable for your child’s nutrition. It contains more protein than mature breast milk. It also contains all the minerals, fats and vitamins that your newborn baby needs in the first few days. First milk covers your baby’s stomach and intestinal mucosa with a protective film. Basically, the composition of your breast milk changesduring your breastfeeding period. This ensures that your breast milk contains all the nutrients and enough liquid for your baby.
Is my chest leaking?
How much milk runs out of the breast varies from woman to woman. The amount depends on your oxytocin level. The higher the level, the greater the flow of milk. However, if you only produce very little first milk during pregnancy, that does not mean that your body will produce little breast milk later on – just as naturally vice versa.
How to avoid stains on the blouse?
To avoid stains appearing on your blouse or sweater, you should use nursing pads. They are worn in the bra and should be changed regularly to keep them fresh and odor free. Do not be surprised if the milk drips during intercourse, because then your oxytocin levels are particularly high.
Foremilk is unique!
The opinion that squeezing the first milk out of the breast with your hand helps to prepare for breastfeeding the baby is long outdated. Your first milk comes only once and is very important for your baby.