Immediately after birth your body releases hormones and you begin to produce colostrum, baby's first food. Colostrum is yellowish in color, thick and creamy in texture and is packed full of very important components. The colostrum is perfect for your newborn baby's tiny stomach to digest because of its low volume and low fat content. It has proteins, antibodies, and is high in carbohydrates which aide in keeping your newborn baby healthy. Another benefit to baby from the colostrum is the laxative effect, which aides in the excretion of excess bilirubin, this will help prevent jaundice.

Colostrum acts almost as a natural vaccine, protecting him from outside agents that may cause harm, with no harmful side effects. Below is a breakdown of what exactly is in the colostrum and the benefits of each:

Antibodies, protecting baby's mucous membranes (throat, lungs, eyes, nose and intestines), which are the places most likely to come under attack from germs in the fragile newborn infant.
White Cells (leukocytes), which can destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin K, which helps to protect baby against bleeding.
Vitamin A, is required for vision and is at its highest the first week following the birth, It also help fight off infections.
Protein, which helps maintain baby's blood sugar, especially for those who are at risk for having a low blood sugar.

As mentioned, your baby's stomach is tiny and needs very little to sustain it those first few days of life outside the womb. The amount of colostrum he gets from each feeding can be measured in teaspoons and can account for his frequent feedings those first few days. On the first day of life, your baby's stomach measures about 5 to 7 ml, and research has discovered that during this time his stomach is firm and will not stretch to take in more food but will instead expel it. By the third day of life, your baby's stomach has grown to measure up to about an ounce, and is about the size of a "shooter" marble. At about this time your milk has come in and your baby is able to take in more, however small and frequent feedings assure that he gets only what he needs. After the first week, your newborn baby's stomach capacity reaches up to about 2 ounces, and is roughly the size of a ping-pong ball. It is common for you to feel like your baby is not getting enough milk because he always seem hungry, once you have a better understanding of how small the your newborn's stomach is you can understand why there is a need for frequent feedings. It is also important to note that breastmilk offers a perfect balance of nutrients and is gentle on his tiny tummy.

There is growing evidence out there that the emotional and biological development of a child's brain and central nervous system are related to the way they were cared for as babies. Breastfeeding your baby is one of the best ways to meet all of your newborn's needs. Breastmilk contains everything to sustain your baby's life, and is packed with antibodies and nutrients to keep your baby healthy. The bond that is shared between you and your baby as you cuddle with him, giving him nourishment, is meeting all of his emotional needs. By responding to your baby's cues and offering him the breast for comfort, hunger, and love you are showing your baby that he can be dependent on you to meet his needs.

Information adapted from the following websites:

• Kellymom.com
• mother-2-mother.com
• La Leche League International llli.org