Colostrum, often called “liquid gold,” is the first milk produced by the breasts. This early fluid is uniquely formulated to provide a newborn with concentrated nutrition and immunological protection. Understanding the proper timing, safety considerations, and collection methods is important for anyone considering expressing colostrum before or shortly after birth.
The Difference Between Colostrum and Mature Milk
Colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid produced during pregnancy and the first few days postpartum, differing significantly from the mature milk that follows. Its composition is highly concentrated, functioning like a “first vaccine” for the newborn. It contains high levels of immunoglobulins, particularly secretory IgA, which create a protective layer in the baby’s gut and guard against infection.
Colostrum also contains white blood cells and growth factors at concentrations higher than in mature milk, which help activate the baby’s immune system and establish healthy gut function. It is lower in fat and sugar but higher in protein, making it easy for a newborn’s stomach to digest. Its laxative properties help the baby pass meconium (the first dark, tarry stools), which helps prevent newborn jaundice.
When is it Safe to Start Expressing Colostrum?
The collection of colostrum before birth, known as antenatal expression, should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Most pregnant individuals can safely begin expression around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation, generally starting late in the third trimester. This timing is chosen because breast stimulation releases oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions, though usually not enough to induce labor in a low-risk pregnancy.
Consultation with a doctor or midwife is necessary before starting, as antenatal expression is not advised in certain circumstances. Contraindications include a history of premature labor, a cervical suture in place, or placenta previa. Any individual experiencing vaginal bleeding or painful, regular contractions while expressing must stop immediately and seek medical advice.
Antenatal collection is helpful if the baby is at a higher risk of low blood sugar after birth (e.g., if the mother has diabetes) or if a planned cesarean section may delay initial breastfeeding. Collecting colostrum beforehand provides a reserve supply that can be used for supplementation, potentially avoiding the need for artificial infant formula.
Manual Expression vs. Pumping for Colostrum Collection
Manual expression by hand is the preferred and most effective technique for collecting colostrum, especially before the mature milk supply increases after birth. Colostrum is produced in small amounts, often just a few drops, and its thick consistency makes it difficult to collect with a standard breast pump. A pump’s mechanism can cause the fluid to cling to the plastic parts, making collection inefficient.
Manual expression involves using clean hands to gently massage the breast, stroking from the chest wall toward the nipple to encourage the milk-ejection reflex. The hand is then placed in a C-shape a few centimeters behind the nipple, pressing back toward the chest and compressing the tissue to express the drops. This technique is gentler, allows for more control, and is effective for harvesting the small initial volume.
Collection Tools
The colostrum is typically collected directly into a small, sterile container, such as a 1 or 3 milliliter syringe, which is ideal for the tiny amounts produced. If drops are difficult to draw up, they can be expressed onto a clean spoon or into a small, sterile cup and then drawn into the syringe. While a breast pump can be used after delivery when the volume increases, manual expression remains the primary method for antenatal collection and during the first few days postpartum.
Storage and Delivery of Harvested Colostrum
Once colostrum is collected, prompt and proper storage is necessary to maintain its quality and safety. Sterile syringes or containers must be clearly labeled with the date and time of collection. If collecting multiple times within a 24-hour period, new colostrum can be added to the same syringe, storing it in the refrigerator between expression sessions.
Storage Guidelines
Freshly expressed colostrum can be stored in the refrigerator at 4°C for up to 48 hours. For longer storage, it should be frozen promptly at -18°C or lower, where it can be kept for up to six months. When transporting frozen colostrum to the hospital, keep it in a cooler with ice packs to ensure it remains chilled until it can be placed in a hospital freezer.
Thawing and Delivery
To prepare the colostrum for the baby, frozen supplies should be thawed slowly, ideally overnight in the refrigerator or by placing the syringe in warm water. Never use a microwave to thaw or warm the colostrum, as this can destroy its beneficial components and create hot spots. The colostrum is typically delivered to the infant using the same syringe it was collected in, or via a small cup or dropper if the baby is not yet latching effectively.