Tag: Lactogenesis

Over a third of people in a recent survey were unaware that the thick, yellowish milk produced immediately after childbirth, known as colostrum, has several other names. This rich, concentrated fluid is often called "liquid gold" or "first milk" due to its immense nutritional and immunological value for a newborn. Understanding these alternative names can help parents, caregivers, and health professionals communicate more effectively about this vital substance.

Early human colostrum has a high protein concentration, typically around 14–16 grams per liter, which is significantly higher than the protein content of mature breast milk. This initial, nutrient-dense fluid is often referred to as 'liquid gold' due to its rich immunological and developmental properties, which are vital for a newborn's first days of life. The protein levels in this initial milk are specifically designed to provide immune protection and support the immature systems of the infant.

Human colostrum, often called 'liquid gold,' typically provides a concentrated energy value of approximately 50–60 kcal per 100 mL, designed perfectly for a newborn's needs. This initial, nutrient-dense milk fuels and protects the infant in its first few critical days of life, prioritizing immunological benefits over bulk calories.

The energy cost of exclusive breastfeeding over the first six months is equivalent to the total energy expended during the entire pregnancy. This astonishing fact highlights why the need for energy and some nutrients is greater during lactation than pregnancy, as the body transitions from building a fetus to sustaining a rapidly growing infant through milk production.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), milk production is a continuous process of synthesis and storage within the mammary gland. What is an increase in milk production called? In scientific terms, this is known as galactopoiesis, a complex biological phenomenon influenced by hormones, nutrition, and demand.