Newborns cry less and show signs of reduced pain when
they receive small amounts of milk, formula, or sucrose (see review by Shaw et al 2007; also Blass 1997a; Blass 1997b; Blass and Watt 1999; Barr et al 1999).
The
small amounts of «
milk» they
receive from their mothers in these early days, called colostrum, offers high levels
of protective immunological benefits and sugars for energy and prepare the baby for the larger volume
of milk that comes in by the third or fourth day
of life.