What is Colostrum?

This first milk, sometimes called “liquid gold” is the first breast milk your newborn baby receives immediately after birth. Your body starts producing colostrum during the second trimester of pregnancy, usually between 12 and 18 weeks. This nutrient-rich "liquid gold" supports your baby’s immune system by providing antibodies and white blood cells that protect against infections and help develop a healthy gut. It also helps regulate your baby’s blood sugar levels in the early days of life, reducing the risk of low blood sugar and other problems.

What is Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting?

Antenatal colostrum harvesting means hand expressing and collecting colostrum before your baby is born. This practice can help build additional stores of expressed milk that may be used after birth, providing your newborn with vital nutrients and immune protection right from the start. While not all mothers produce much prenatally, many find that regular expression increases the flow of colostrum over time. This harvested milk can be stored in a sterile container and kept at room temperature briefly or frozen for later use after birth.

Research shows that colostrum harvesting started after 36 weeks of pregnancy is safe for most mothers. It has not been found to increase the risk of preterm labor or other complications. Babies whose mothers practice colostrum harvesting, are more likely to receive only breast milk in the hospital.

Benefits of Colostrum Harvesting

  • Boosts confidence and skill: Helps you understand your breast anatomy and hand expression techniques.
  • Extra colostrum stores: Gives your baby extra nutrition in the early days.
  • Supports early exclusive breastfeeding: Can reduce or prevent the need for infant formula if breastfeeding is delayed or challenging.
  • Boosts milk supply: Early expression can stimulate milk-producing cells and help to increase your supply sooner.

Who Might Benefit?

Antenatal expression is a way to reduce or eliminate the need for formula in the early days after birth. It may be especially helpful if you or your baby have certain risk factors, such as:

  • Diabetes (gestational diabetes, type 1, or type 2)
  • Previous breast surgery or history of low milk supply
  • Planned cesarean section
  • Growth concerns (small or large for gestational age)
  • Certain health conditions (cleft lip/palate, Down syndrome, or heart problems)
  • Family history of cow’s milk protein allergy or type 1 diabetes
  • Use of beta blockers for high blood pressure

Who Should NOT Try It?

If you have medical conditions or risks like early labor, short cervix, bleeding, or certain placental issues, it’s best to avoid antenatal expression unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.

How To Safely Express and Store Your Colostrum

  1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
  2. Use a clean spoon or medicine cup to collect your expressed milk.
  3. Gently massage and compress your breast without pinching the nipple to help the flow.
  4. Expect small amounts at first - average prenatal collections range from 0-5 mL.
  5. Label and date your milk before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.

How Often Should You Do It?

How often you express depends on your goals, comfort, and health. For most moms, even short sessions once or twice a day during the last month of pregnancy are enough to help you learn the technique. These sessions can also help you collect some expressed milk to save for your baby’s first days, giving you peace of mind and a helpful head start on breastfeeding.

Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey

After birth, your body will keep producing small amounts of colostrum, increasing each day and slowly changing to mature breast milk. If you're worried about your baby’s weight or diaper output, continuing to hand express and offer supplemental milk can help boost your supply and make sure your baby gets enough nutrition. Don’t hesitate to get help with breastfeeding and see a lactation consultant. They can offer guidance and support as you and your baby begin your breastfeeding journey.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.