Colostrum: The First Milk and Why It’s So Important

“The first drops matter most.”

Colostrum is often called "liquid gold"—and for good reason. This thick, yellowish milk appears in the first few hours to days after childbirth and is the very first food your baby receives. Though it may look different from the breast milk that comes in later, it’s exactly what your newborn needs.

This article explores:

What colostrum is
Why it's essential for newborns
How nutrition, especially Moringa, may help support early milk production
Scientific studies from the Philippines on how Moringa enhances lactation

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces after birth. It's highly concentrated and produced in small amounts—just a few teaspoons per feeding—but it contains everything your newborn needs in those early days.

Colostrum is:

Rich in antibodies, especially Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coat your baby’s gut and protect against infections
Packed with white blood cells to help build the infant’s immune system
High in protein, vitamins A, E, and K, and essential minerals like zinc
Natural and perfectly designed for a newborn’s immature digestive system

Why Is Colostrum So Crucial for Babies?

✅ Builds the immune system
Colostrum provides passive immunity by transferring your antibodies to your baby, offering protection from viruses and bacteria.

✅ Aids digestion and detox
It acts as a natural laxative, helping your baby pass meconium (first stool) and reducing the risk of newborn jaundice.

✅ Supports organ and brain development
Colostrum contains growth factors that promote healthy organ growth and cognitive development.

✅ Protects the gut
It lines the baby’s intestines, sealing them against harmful microbes and reducing the risk of allergies and infections.

Can Nutrition Help You Produce Colostrum?

Yes. While colostrum production is hormonally triggered, good nutrition can help your body respond more efficiently to those hormonal signals—especially right after birth.

One natural food that has been widely recognized for its lactation-supporting properties is Moringa (Moringa oleifera), known locally in the Philippines as malunggay.

Moringa and Lactation: What the Science Says

Moringa is packed with:

Iron and calcium, both critical for postpartum recovery and milk production
Vitamin A, which boosts immunity and vision
Vitamin C, which supports tissue repair
Bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, that may help increase prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production

📖 Filipino Research Supporting Moringa’s Effectiveness

1. Dela Peña, M.P. (2000) – Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
This hospital-based study showed that postpartum mothers who consumed Moringa had a significantly higher volume of milk than those who didn’t.

2. Estrella, M.C. et al. (2000) – Philippine Journal of Pediatrics
A randomized, double-blind controlled trial revealed that mothers who took Moringa capsules during the early postpartum period produced more breast milk compared to a placebo group.

These studies confirm what has been passed down through generations—malunggay works as a natural and effective galactagogue.

How You Can Get More Moringa into Your Postpartum Diet

For moms who want a convenient and enjoyable way to support their milk supply, especially during the early postpartum days when colostrum is forming, Moringa-rich food products can be a great option.

This is exactly what inspired Malky’s Lactation Treats.

At Malky’s, we use Moringa as our main active ingredient in products like our MalkysLacta Extra Boost. Combined with other milk-enhancing ingredients like oats, flaxseeds, and brewer’s yeast, our preservative-free, fenugreek-free treats are designed to help moms get the nutrients they need to nourish themselves and their babies.

Final Thoughts

Colostrum might be small in quantity, but it’s mighty in impact. It gives your baby immediate protection, vital nutrients, and a strong start to life. Supporting your body’s ability to produce it can make all the difference.

Adding Moringa to your daily postpartum routine is a natural, time-tested way to encourage milk production—starting with those first golden drops.

You take care of your baby. Malky’s will take care of you. 💛