Today we all know about our baby’s very first meal. Yes, you are right! I am talking about the “first milk of mother”. In this blog, we will cover all about it from its head to tail. That means -what is the first milk? Why it's important? And how you can master in latching?

2. THE FIRST MILK
• This first milk is called Colostrum.
• It is the first breast milk produced by your mammary glands
during pregnancy and in the first few days after the delivery of
your peanut.
• This is the initial stage of breast milk production.
• After the first milk production, your body upgrades its
production to the second stage-transitional breast milk and
finally reaches its mature breast milk production, which will be
its final stage.
• The primary drops of colostrum are what your little one gets
the first time you put them to your breast to feed.

3. ABOUT COLOSTRUM
• Colostrum is often golden-yellow or orange color
• It is thicker than transitional and mature breast milk.
• The body starts generating colostrum as early as the beginning of the sixth month of
pregnancy.
• This production stage can last up to the second to fifth days after birth.
• Your body only makes a small amount of colostrum. In the first 24 hours your body will
produce-little over 2 tablespoons (30 ml), second and third days-approximately twice of first
day-60ml.
• That’s why everybody says breastfeeding in the first few days is very vital for your baby..

4. WHY COLOSTRUM IS IMPORTANT?
• It is fully packed with concentrated nutrition. It contains everything that your little
one will need in the first few days of life.
• Colostrum has higher protein and, lower fat and sugar level which makes it easier to
digest compared to transitional and mature breast milk.
• Colostrum is known as your child’s first immunization as it is full of antibodies,
white blood cells, and other immune properties.
• The high level of special secretory immunoglobulin A (SIg A) found in colostrum.
This protects your baby’s GI tract and helps to eliminate viruses and bacteria.

5. WHY COLOSTRUM IS IMPORTANT?...
• Colostrum is a natural laxative. That means, it helps your baby move their
bowels and present you with their very first potty-the meconium. As this
meconium contains bilirubin (a yellowish substance in our blood), removal
of this helps in preventing newborn jaundice.
• The very first breast milk is only that can set the foundation for your child’s
health and your future breast milk supply.
This is the best thing you can do for your baby, so do it. Only by breastfeeding
frequently during the colostrum stage, you will prepare your body to generate a
healthy supply of breast milk.

6. MASTERY OF LATCHING
Latching is referring to the positioning of your baby’s mouth
on your breast when feeding. If latching is proper, your baby
will be able to flawlessly remove milk from your breast
without causing lasting pain or other problems.
FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION
Wear some comfortable Maternity Wear with zippers or
feeding pockets for hassle-free feeding practice.
Try various breastfeeding positions and find the most
comfortable for you as well as your baby. Whatever position(s)
you choose, be mindful that;

7. MASTERY OF LATCHING…
FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION…
• Your baby’s head, neck, and spine are not twisted.
• Your baby’s chin is not on her chest, rather tilted upward and presses into your breast.
• You are well supported and comfortable.
• Make sure you choose a chair or couch with plenty of support for your back and arms. Then
put your feet up – either on a table or on the stack of pillows. If you prefer to nurse in bed,
make sure you use plenty of pillows. Whichever position is most comfortable for you,
remember to bring your baby to your breast, rather than hunching or bending toward your
baby.

8. MASTERY OF LATCHING…
HOLD YOUR BABY CLOSE
• Your breasts will naturally be heavier while you’re breastfeeding – after all – you’re
producing breast milk! So you may need to support them as well.
• Once you are comfortable and ready to breastfeed, cup your breast with the palm
of your hand – your four fingers should be underneath your breast and your thumb
should rest above your nipple, opposite your baby’s nose. This position is called C-
Hold. While you are ready to feed, line your nipple up with your baby’s nose and
keep her body close to your torso so that her tummy is facing and touching your
belly. In this position, her nose will be turned up slightly which will allow her to
breathe easily while her feeding time. This will help her learn to coordinate sucking
and breathing at the same time.

9. MASTERY OF LATCHING…
ENCOURAGE YOUR BABY TO OPEN WIDE
• To encourage your baby to open up her mouth wide you can gently touch
your nipple against her upper lip. She will automatically turn her head and
open her mouth wide, then aim your nipple towards her mouth while
allowing her to take a large portion of your areola into her mouth.
• Help your baby to take in as much as possible by squeezing your breast with
your finger and thumb towards each other. The areola is the small circular
dark pigmented ring surrounding the nipple.

10. MASTERY OF LATCHING…
LOOK AND LISTEN AS YOUR BABY FEEDS
• After your baby is latched on, she should begin to suck. At first, you will
observe her doing short, rapid sucks to stimulate milk production. Once the
milk starts to flow, her sucking will become slower and deeper with some
pauses as she swallows milk.
• If you notice clicking or smacking sounds this could mean a poor latch or
poor positioning. Remove your nipple from her mouth and try again.

11. SOME KEY POINTS
• Relaxation plays a dramatic role in breastfeeding success. Try to start each nursing
session out by taking a deep breath in through your nose, holding that breath for
one to two seconds, and exhaling slowly through your nose for at least four seconds
until you feel relaxed.
• Some moms feel content to stare blissfully into their baby’s eyes while nursing.
Other moms like to use that long session, they want something else to do while
they’re nursing to keep them engaged and entertained. If that sounds like you, make
sure you grab your phone, tablet, or a good book before sitting down. Or, position
your favorite chair in front of the TV, solve some crossword puzzles. Just remember
to pay attention to your little one’s cues.

12. SOME KEY POINTS…
• Before you sit down for a nursing or pumping session, be sure to bring a tall glass
of cool water to drink. Not only does staying hydrated help maintain milk
production, but it always seems like thirst strikes in the middle of a session when
you can’t get up.
• If you notice your nipples are sore or starting to crack, try soothing them with
lanolin or hydrogel pads.. Remember, sore nipples are typically a sign something
isn’t right, so be sure to find the root of the problem so you can correct it instead
of simply treating the symptoms.
BREASTFEEDING IS NOT ALWAYS EASY… BUT IT IS ALWAYS
WORTH IT.