What is colostrum?

Colostrum is indeed recognized as the first form of milk produced after delivery. This nutrient-rich fluid is secreted by the mammary glands during pregnancy and the first few days postpartum. It is thick, yellowish, and has a higher concentration of proteins, antibodies, and essential nutrients compared to mature breast milk.

Colostrum plays a crucial role in the early feeding of newborns, as it helps establish their immune system and provides numerous benefits such as protecting against infections and promoting healthy gut development. This initial milk is essential for newborns because it contains a specific balance of nutrients tailored to their needs immediately after birth.

In contrast, while other options touch on aspects related to feeding, they do not accurately capture the defining characteristic of colostrum. The last form of milk produced before weaning refers more to mature breast milk, and a type of formula for newborns is not related to breast milk at all. Additionally, while colostrum is a source of nutrients, the description as the primary source for all infants would be misleading, as mature milk is typically produced after colostrum and serves as the ongoing source of nourishment for babies as they grow and develop.