Breastfeeding - Colostrum is it enough?

It's 3am. Your baby has been born, you're exhausted, and you're staring at the tiny amount of milk you've just expressed, thinking: "That can't possibly be enough."

I hear this worry almost every week, and I've been hearing it from nervous new parents in South London for over 15 years. So let me say it straight away: yes, colostrum is enough. It's exactly what your baby needs in those first days.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. It's thick, sticky and often golden or yellow. You'll have been making it since the second half of your pregnancy, so it's ready and waiting when your baby arrives.

Why a little goes a long way

Your newborn's tummy is tiny at first. On day one it's about the size of a cherry or a marble. It simply can't hold much, and it doesn't need to.

Colostrum is a concentrated first feed. It's packed with:

Protein and minerals, in a small, easy-to-digest amount.

Antibodies, which help block germs and protect your baby from infections.

Gut-protecting properties, which help to seal the lining of your baby's new gut.

Think of it as a first dose of protection and nourishment, all in one.

What to expect in the first few days

Your milk usually "comes in" (becomes more plentiful and lighter in colour) around day 3 to 5. Until then, small and frequent feeds are completely normal.

Feed whenever your baby shows hunger cues, such as stirring, rooting or hands to mouth. Aim for at least 8 feeds in 24 hours. Lots of skin-to-skin helps your body make milk and keeps baby calm.

Don't wait for crying. It's a late hunger sign. Newborns can be sleepy in the first day or so. If yours is, gently offer feeds regularly.

How do I know it's going well?

Nappies are your best clue. In the early days, look for:

Day 1: at least 1 wet nappy and 1 dark, sticky poo (meconium) Day 2: at least 2 wet nappies Day 3: at least 3 wet nappies, with poo starting to change colour Days 5 and onwards: 6 or more heavy wet nappies a day, and yellow poos

Your baby should also seem content after most feeds and be alert when awake.

Should I top up with formula?

Not routinely. Unless a midwife or doctor has advised it for a medical reason, colostrum is all your baby needs. Offering extra can sometimes reduce how much milk your body is told to make. If you're worried, ask for a feeding assessment before reaching for a bottle.

When to get help

Please don't wait and worry. Call your midwife, health visitor or NHS 111 if:

Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds.

Feeding is painful for you, or your baby won't latch.

Your baby has fewer wet or dirty nappies than the guide above.

Your baby's skin or eyes look yellow.

You simply feel something isn't right. Trust your instincts.

Call 999 if your baby is struggling to breathe, is floppy or unresponsive, has a blue or grey tinge to their skin, or has a seizure.

You're doing better than you think.

Small amounts are not a sign that something's wrong. Your body and your baby are working together exactly as they should. Take a breath, get comfy, and keep that baby close. And if you'd like some hands-on support with feeding, I'm always happy to help.

With warmth,

Eva x

Eva Levinson is a part-time Postnatal Midwifery Assistant & Infant Feeding Specialist for the NHS, a Doula UK trained postnatal doula, and an Ofsted/HSE compliant first aid instructor. She runs And Chillax in Anerley, South London.