Kandungan, Manfaat, dan Cara Menyimpan Kolostrum ASI

The human body is naturally a sophisticated, complex system that functions well according to its needs. For mothers who have just given birth, breast milk colostrum is automatically produced to meet the baby's needs.

As you may already know, colostrum is the first breast milk produced by the mammary glands from the first to the fifth day after giving birth. In appearance, it looks slightly different from the normal breast milk produced afterward.

Recognizing Colostrum by Its Characteristics

Breast milk colostrum is the first milk produced by the body since pregnancy. Formed in the mammary glands and playing an important role in building the baby's immune system, its nutrition is very dense and beneficial.

The main characteristics of colostrum in terms of appearance and texture are as follows.

• Has a thicker texture than breast milk
• Has a yellower color than breast milk
• Comes out in the period approaching delivery up to 5 days after delivery. However, its contents can still be found until the little one is about 6 months old
• Another characteristic that can be recognized is actually the colostrum content which is very rich in nutrients, which you can examine in the next section.

Contents and Benefits of Colostrum

Speaking of the benefits of colostrum for babies, it is clearly very related to their growth and development. A newborn baby's body is still vulnerable and needs time to build immunity. At the same time, the formation of organs and tissues in their body needs to be supported by adequate nutritional intake.

Some of the important points above can be met with breast milk colostrum, which practically contains every nutrient needed by the baby.

Contents in Breast Milk Colostrum

• High in protein and lower in fat and sugar compared to transitional and mature breast milk, making it easier to digest and absorb by the body
• Rich in antibodies, white blood cells, and good nutrients that can build the little one's immunity
• High in secretory immunoglobulin A or commonly called by the symbol SIgA. This content can help kill viruses and bacteria
• Contains substances that act as natural laxatives, thus helping the little one have smoother bowel movements. This process will also remove meconium or feces accumulated in the intestines before the baby is born
• Other important nutrient contents whose amounts are needed by the little one's body in building the immune system and the growth and development of organs and tissues

A Series of Benefits Provided

Given its very nutrient-rich content, babies must receive this colostrum during the early period of their life. A series of benefits can be obtained by the little one's body if the nutritional needs in this early phase are met.

Briefly, some of the benefits are as follows.

• Source of nutrition for babies. Breast milk colostrum contains all the nutrients needed by the baby in the early phase of their life. Starting from protein, salts, fats, and various vitamins in high levels can be obtained from colostrum
• Gut health. Because it is easily digested by the baby's digestive organs, colostrum is easier to digest and its nutrients are absorbed. At the same time, the content in colostrum is able to help coat the baby's intestines so that it can form an effective protective layer
• Building the immune system. The antibody and white blood cell content in it is very necessary to build a strong immune system. Functioning as a natural antibiotic for babies, its contents will actively protect the baby from germs and pathogens in their surroundings
• Acting as a natural laxative so that it can smooth digestion. As discussed earlier, breast milk colostrum is also beneficial as a natural laxative that can be given safely to babies. Colostrum will help them clean the meconium that is still in the intestines, so that it is quickly released
• Optimizing the baby's body metabolism. Some important functions of the baby's body can be optimized with colostrum intake. One that is important is the regulation of the little one's body temperature. Colostrum will help maintain a stable body temperature, because a newborn's body cannot yet regulate temperature as a reflex. In addition, in metabolism, this intake can help lung and circulatory function to ensure oxygen and nutrients reach all parts of the body
• Practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing easily while breastfeeding. Finally, its benefit in training reflexes and muscle coordination in the mouth area to be able to perform the movements needed when breastfeeding. Of course, this will be more optimal if you give colostrum directly

Give Directly, or Store Properly Using These 4 Tips

Actually, many studies recommend that you give breast milk colostrum directly to your little one. But if a condition occurs that makes this impossible, you can pump and store it, provided it is done correctly.

Hegen then presents various containers that you can use. One of them is the HEGEN PCTO™ 60ML/2OZ BREAST MILK STORAGE PPSU (6-PACK) product which you can use freely.

Before entering the discussion on the advantages of this container from Hegen, here is a glimpse of four tips for storing breast milk colostrum correctly.

• To keep colostrum fresh and high-quality, ensure the container you use has a very tight lid. It would be better if you use breast pump equipment that connects directly to the container, as it will minimize exposure to open air
• Place it in the right spot inside the refrigerator. After finishing pumping and closing it, also make sure you place the container at the very back of the freezer. This is intended so that the storage temperature is stable and does not experience significant changes when the refrigerator is opened or closed
• Storing it for trips. You may carry colostrum on trips, as long as it is stored well. Place it in a container then put it in an insulated bag surrounded by ice packs. This way, colostrum can last up to 24 hours. But once you reach your destination, return the colostrum to the freezer
• Age and durability of colostrum in storage. At room temperature, this nutrient can last well for up to four hours. In a good refrigerator, its shelf life reaches four days, and it can reach six months in the freezer. Of course, with the note that the container you use is truly high-quality, and all other variables are also ideal

Hegen provides containers of various sizes for you to use, one of which is the HEGEN PCTO™ 60ML/2OZ BREAST MILK STORAGE PPSU (6-PACK). The container from Hegen has a series of advantages, including:

Made from PPSU material that combines the advantages of plastic and glass. Lightweight, elegant, stain-resistant, as well as solid and highly resistant to impact and temperature. Its operating temperature range is between -20 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius

Has an exclusive amber color without the addition of any dyes. This is because the color is the natural color of the PPSU material

Memiliki ekosistem produk yang sempurna. Setiap botol atau container dari Hegen seperti HEGEN PCTO™ 60ML/2OZ BREAST MILK STORAGE PPSU (6-PACK), dapat dipasang berbagai model tutup yang ada. Mulai dari tutup container, kemudian teat, straw, hingga breast pump yang Hegen sediakan. Hal ini akan memudahkan Bunda dalam menggunakannya

Kualitas produk yang handal dan terverifikasi FDA sehingga menjamin kualitas kolostrum atau ASI yang Bunda simpan. Dengan penggunaan yang tepat, kolostrum atau ASI akan dapat disimpan dengan baik sehingga mengurangi risiko kontaminasi

Sekilas bacaan tentang kolostrum ASI di atas semoga dapat membantu Bunda memperoleh insight berguna mengenai asupan yang sering disebut liquid gold ini. Selalu percayakan produk baby care pada Hegen, dan dapatkan manfaat optimal produk Hegen di setiap fase tumbuh kembang si kecil!

Referensi:

• Kumparan. Ciri-ciri Kolostrum dan Manfaatnya untuk Bayi Baru Lahir. https://kumparan.com/mama-rempong/ciri-ciri-kolostrum-dan-manfaatnya-untuk-bayi-baru-lahir-1zTvnhtVqJ1/full.
• HaiBunda. Mengenal Ciri-ciri Kolostrum, ASI Perdana yang Kaya Nutrisi untuk Bayi Newborn. https://www.haibunda.com/menyusui/20220602095712-54-275385/mengenal-ciri-ciri-kolostrum-asi-perdana-yang-kaya-nutrisi-untuk-bayi-newborn.
• Ayo Sehat Kementerian Kesehatan RI. Mari Kenal Ciri-Ciri ASI Berkualitas. https://ayosehat.kemkes.go.id/mari-kenal-ciri-ciri-asi-berkualitas#:~:text=ASI%20yang%20berwarna%20kuning,pertama%20kali%20oleh%20kelenjar%20susu..
• Bebeclub. Manfaat Kolostrum (ASI Pertama) untuk Bayi Baru Lahir. https://bebeclub.co.id/artikel/ibu-perlu-tahu/0-3-bulan/manfaat-kolostrum-asi.
• Genbest. Kolostrum, Superfood Untuk Tumbuh Kembang Anak. https://genbest.id/articles/kolostrum-superfood-untuk-tumbuh-kembang-anak.
• Siloam Hospitals. Kandungan Kolostrum ASI dan Manfaatnya bagi Bayi Baru Lahir. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-kolostrum-asi.
• HelloSehat. Kolostrum ASI, Kandungan dan Manfaatnya bagi Bayi Baru Lahir. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/menyusui/kolostrum/.
• Hegen. LIQUID GOLD: PUMPED COLOSTRUM AND HOW TO STORE IT. https://www.hegen.us/blogs/news/pumped-colostrum-how-to-store-it.