Why Colostrum Is Important for a Surrogacy Baby: A Comprehensive Guide
In most cases, the intended mother is able to breastfeed the child even though she is not pregnant with the child. The decision to breastfeed your child will totally depend on your preference whether you want to do it by yourself or pump your surrogate mother for it or you don’t want to breastfeed your child.
Whether you’re thinking about breastfeeding your baby or you’re interested in getting your breastmilk from your gestational carrier, there’s one significant thing you should know first about colostrum and how it can change your decision to breastfeed.
When embarking on a surrogacy journey, intended parents often focus on legal aspects, medical treatments, and bonding with their surrogates. However, one of the critical elements often overlooked is the importance of colostrum for the baby, particularly during the first few days after birth.
In this post, we’ll explore why colostrum is so important for surrogacy babies, how it helps the newborn transition to life outside the womb, and what intended parents can do to ensure their baby receives it, whether from the surrogate or through an alternative source.
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What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the unique first breast milk that is created just after birth in any lady. t’s a sticky, yellow liquid that has everything that a newborn baby is needed.
Colostrum is an extremely dense initial breast milk that includes immune-boosting characteristics. It is filled with protein, salts, antibodies, and protective characteristics that are all useful to your child. Colostrum is greater in protein relative to normal breast milk, but lower in sugar, fat, and calories.
If you’re nursing your child, your newborn feeds will be colostrum in the first few days after birth and before your regular breast milk begins to flow. All infants may benefit from colostrum, but studies have shown that colostrum benefits preterm children immensely.
Benefits of Colostrum
Breastfeeding moms may want to think of colostrum as the first meal of their child — one that provides health advantages such as:
- Helping to protect your child from damaging germs by covering his intestines and helping to protect his immune system from germs.
- Providing some protection from inflammation and killing possibly damaging microorganisms
- Having laxative characteristics that can assist in moving meconium (your little baby’s first stool) along, which can assist in lowering jaundice chances
- Help avoid low blood sugar levels if your child is born full-term
- Offering a dietary boost to a prematurely born child as can provide your preemie with some extra nutrition.
Colostrum is dense and sticky and may appear in colors orange, yellow, transparent, or white. It is typically yellowish because it contains beta-carotene (the same thing that makes carrots yellow), but if your colostrum is thinner and richer, don’t worry— it’s normal for every mother to be different.
Why Is Colostrum Important for a Surrogacy Baby?
Here are the main reasons colostrum is crucial for a newborn baby:
1. Immunity Boost
Colostrum is incredibly rich in immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which helps to coat the baby’s intestines and protect them from infections. A baby born via surrogacy is just as vulnerable to infections as any other baby, making the immunity boost from colostrum essential for their health during the early days of life.
2. Gut Health and Development
The newborn’s digestive system is immature, and colostrum contains growth factors that help prepare the gut for digesting breast milk or formula. It also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, aiding in the healthy development of the intestines and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues later in life.
3. Nutrient-Dense for Optimal Growth
Though small in quantity, colostrum is packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats essential for a newborn’s development. It’s particularly high in fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, which are crucial for eye health, blood clotting, and overall cellular growth.
4. Easy to Digest
Colostrum is easier to digest than regular breast milk or formula, making it the perfect first food for a newborn baby, especially those born via surrogacy, who may have a slightly different feeding experience than a baby carried by their biological mother.
5. Facilitates First Meconium Pass
Colostrum acts as a natural laxative, helping the baby to pass their first stool, called meconium. This is crucial because it helps to eliminate excess bilirubin, reducing the chances of newborn jaundice, which is relatively common in the first few days of life.
6. Supports Emotional Bonding
If the surrogate is willing and able to breastfeed or pump colostrum, it can also offer an emotional bonding opportunity for both the surrogate and the baby. Even in cases where this isn’t possible, intended parents can bond with their newborn while feeding colostrum through alternative methods, such as syringe feeding or bottles.
When does Breast Milk come into the picture?
The breasts of an expectant mom may be prepared to generate colostrum in the second trimester as soon as 16 weeks of pregnancy or later. So, don’t be amazed if you see signs of colostrum leaking long before the baby’s birth.
Colostrum leakage does not necessarily imply near labor. Although it may seem a little strange, leaking a little bit of breast milk during pregnancy is actually quite normal.
In contrast, some moms-to-be do not notice any signs of colostrum leaking during pregnancy, but this does not imply that the manufacturing of colostrum does not occur. Your breasts get prepared for breastfeeding behind the scenes— one more way your body gets prepared for motherhood.
You may want to purchase some disposable or reusable breast pads that line your bra if you are leaking colostrum. These assist the liquid to absorb and safeguard your clothes.
How long is the last Colostrum?
Before this early milk transition into regular breast milk, your body will typically generate colostrum for several days after your baby’s birth.
Your breasts will start to grow in size and feel firmer after the original two to five days of colostrum manufacturing. This shows that your supply of milk is rising and has begun transitioning from colostrum to periodic breast milk— a process that takes place over a few weeks.
How much Colostrum does a newborn baby need?
New moms can generate colostrum everywhere between 10 and 100 milliliters per day. However, it’s typically about 30 milliliters or about one ounce a day, which is about the quantity your child requires. But don’t care if you make less than that amount— any quantity is great for your child. As your breasts move to produce more milk than colostrum, the stomach of your baby will also grow to accept more milk.
How Can Intended Parents Ensure Their Surrogacy Baby Receives Colostrum?
Given its benefits, intended parents should consider options for ensuring their baby receives colostrum after birth. Here are some strategies:
1. Colostrum Pumping by the Surrogate
Some surrogates are willing to pump colostrum after the birth, even if they aren’t planning to breastfeed long-term. This arrangement should be discussed in advance and included in the surrogacy contract, if necessary. The colostrum can then be fed to the baby using a syringe, spoon, or bottle.
2. Lactation Induction for the Intended Mother
If the intended mother wishes to breastfeed, she can explore lactation induction. This process involves hormone treatments and manual stimulation to trigger milk production. While not all intended mothers will produce a full milk supply, some can produce enough colostrum to benefit their baby.
3. Using Donor Colostrum
In cases where the surrogate cannot or does not wish to provide colostrum, intended parents may consider using colostrum from a donor. Milk banks or lactation consultants can help find screened donors who provide safe, nutrient-rich colostrum.
4. Combination Feeding
Some intended parents choose combination feeding, where the surrogate provides colostrum, but formula or other milk supplements are used later. This ensures the baby gets the early benefits of colostrum while still establishing a feeding routine.
Colostrum Feeding Options for Surrogacy Babies
Colostrum Feeding Options for Surrogacy BabiesIn the case of a surrogacy arrangement, several methods can be used to ensure the baby receives colostrum. These include:
- Direct Breastfeeding: If the surrogate is willing to breastfeed for the first few days, this can be an optimal way to provide colostrum directly.
- Hand Expression or Pumping: The surrogate can pump or hand express colostrum, which can then be fed to the baby via syringe or bottle.
- Syringe Feeding: Since colostrum comes in small quantities, a syringe can be used to administer it to the baby.
- Cup Feeding: A small spoon or cup can also be used for feeding colostrum if breastfeeding is not an option.
Challenges in Providing Colostrum for Surrogacy Babies
While colostrum is highly beneficial, it’s essential to recognize potential challenges and limitations:
1. Surrogate’s Willingness to Breastfeed
Some surrogates may not feel comfortable breastfeeding or providing colostrum after birth. This should be discussed and agreed upon well before delivery to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Medical and Logistical Constraints
In some surrogacy arrangements, the surrogate may give birth in a different city or country, making it difficult for her to pump or express colostrum in time for the baby to receive it. In such cases, milk banks or induced lactation for the intended mother may be a better option.
3. Emotional Sensitivity
While feeding colostrum offers significant health benefits, the emotional aspect of bonding, both for the surrogate and the intended parents, should not be overlooked. Open and respectful communication between all parties is key.
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Conclusion
During the surrogacy process, if you breastfeed your child or not with a gestational surrogate is entirely your decision. The same goes even if you have traditional surrogacy. But do remember the benefits of breastmilk while making any decision.
If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions.
Get in touch for a Free Surrogacy Consultancy:
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FAQs: Why Colostrum Is Important for Surrogacy Baby
1. What is colostrum? Colostrum is the first form of breast milk produced by the surrogate or mother within the first 48-72 hours after childbirth. It is rich in antibodies, nutrients, and growth factors essential for a newborn’s health.
2. Why is colostrum important for a surrogacy baby? Colostrum provides numerous benefits, including immune support, promoting gut health, aiding nutrient absorption, and reducing the risk of infections. It’s vital for the newborn’s early development.
3. Can the surrogate provide colostrum to the baby? Yes, if the surrogate is willing, she can either breastfeed or pump colostrum to provide it to the baby. This arrangement should be discussed before birth to ensure clarity.
4. What if the surrogate can’t provide colostrum? If the surrogate can’t or doesn’t want to provide colostrum, intended parents can consider lactation induction for the mother or using donor colostrum from a milk bank.
5. Can intended mothers breastfeed through lactation induction? Yes, some intended mothers can induce lactation through hormone therapy and breast stimulation. While results vary, some can produce enough colostrum for the newborn.
6. What are the challenges in feeding colostrum in surrogacy? Challenges include the surrogate’s willingness, medical and logistical constraints (e.g., long distances), and emotional sensitivities regarding bonding.
7. Are there alternatives to colostrum? Yes, if colostrum is unavailable, formula or pasteurized donor milk may be used to feed the baby while ensuring they still receive adequate nutrition.
