What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands, particularly in the late stages of pregnancy and shortly after delivery. It is a thick, yellowish fluid that is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and growth factors that are essential for the newborn's immune system and overall development. This early milk plays a crucial role in providing the infant with vital immune protection and helps in the early digestion process, making it essential for newborn health. The unique composition of colostrum is specifically tailored to meet the needs of a newborn, differing substantially from the milk that is produced later, known as mature milk.

The other options do not accurately describe colostrum. Fetal fluid refers to the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus, which is different from colostrum. A breastfeeding supplement is typically a formula designed to provide additional nutrition to infants when breastfeeding is not sufficient, while prenatal vitamins are supplements taken by pregnant individuals to support their health and that of the developing fetus, which also does not pertain to colostrum.