Colostrum is first milk produced by mammals after birth. Contains vital nutrients, hormones, and immune factors. Human and bovine colostrum have different nutrient profiles
Hand expression is free, simple, and can be done anytime after birth. Helps establish early breastfeeding and stimulate colostrum production. Works better than pumping for thick colostrum due to viscosity. Newborn stomach can hold only one to two teaspoons of milk
Intestine contains 70% of mammal's immune system. Newborns' intestinal wall isn't fully formed. Breast milk antibodies can cross intestinal barrier. Mothers provide white blood cells for newborn protection
Colostrum is the first milk produced by cows for newborns. It's richer, yellow, and contains twice as much protein as regular milk. Cow colostrum contains over 4,000 unique proteins
Breasts contain 12-20 milk lobules with 15-20 milk ducts per nipple. Montgomery glands produce oil for nipple lubrication and protection. Hormones progesterone and estrogen prepare breasts for milk production. First milk production begins in second trimester. Colostrum production starts around 16th week
Lactation is milk secretion from mammary glands after childbirth. Female is ready to produce milk during fifth-sixth month of pregnancy. Colostrum, first milk, is produced during late pregnancy. Colostrum contains immunoglobulin A for newborn immunity