Antenatal colostrum harvesting (ACH) is the practice of manually expressing and collecting the first milk during late pregnancy. This early substance, often called “liquid gold,” is the perfect initial food, specifically designed to provide high concentrations of immune factors and nutrients. Colostrum helps line the baby’s digestive tract, offering protection against infection, and aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels immediately after birth. Preparing a small supply of this nutrient-rich substance can be particularly helpful if a baby requires supplemental feeding or if the parent and baby are separated in the early hours. This guide provides practical information for those considering this practice.
Essential Safety Guidelines and Timing
Antenatal colostrum expression should always be discussed with a healthcare provider. For most individuals experiencing a low-risk pregnancy, expression can safely begin after reaching 36 or 37 weeks of gestation. Starting before this time is not recommended because the breast stimulation involved releases oxytocin, a hormone that can potentially trigger uterine contractions. If you experience any cramping or contractions while expressing, you must stop immediately and contact your midwife or doctor for advice.
Certain medical conditions prohibit antenatal expression entirely due to the risk of preterm labor. Individuals with a history of threatened premature labor, placenta previa, a cervical suture in place, or unexplained vaginal bleeding should not attempt to express colostrum before birth. Other conditions, such as multiple pregnancies or taking certain blood pressure medications, require specific medical clearance. Your care team can confirm whether this practice is appropriate and safe for your specific pregnancy.
Recommended Daily Colostrum Volume
Quantity is much less important than consistency and technique when collecting colostrum. Colostrum is produced in very small, highly concentrated amounts, and collecting just a few drops or less than 1 milliliter (mL) per session is completely normal, especially when first starting. The goal is to collect small, usable portions, not large volumes, as a newborn’s stomach capacity is very tiny, often only needing a teaspoon or two per feed in the first 24 hours.
The collective volume over the entire antenatal period is often minimal; studies note the average collected amount is less than 5 mL. Do not be discouraged if you see no drops at all during your initial attempts; the practice itself helps prepare the milk ducts for flow post-birth. Instead of aiming for a large amount in one sitting, focus on expressing for short, frequent intervals, such as 5 to 10 minutes per breast, two or three times a day. This regular stimulation is more effective for building your skill and encouraging flow than trying to express for a long time only once daily.
Step-by-Step Expression Techniques
Colostrum collection must be performed using manual hand expression, as a breast pump is ineffective for the small, sticky volume. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Finding a warm, comfortable place to sit and gently massaging your breasts for a minute or two can help stimulate the milk-releasing hormones.
To begin the expression, form a “C” shape with your thumb and index finger and place them on the breast about two to three centimeters back from the edge of the areola. Gently push your fingers straight back toward your chest wall, and then compress the thumb and forefinger together. This action should not hurt or cause the fingers to slide across the skin.
Release the pressure and repeat this press-and-compress motion rhythmically to mimic a baby’s suckling. When drops of colostrum appear on the nipple, collect them directly into a sterile syringe or a small, clean cup. Once the flow slows down, reposition your fingers around the areola to access other milk ducts and repeat the process. After five to ten minutes, switch to the other breast.
Proper Storage and Handling
The collected colostrum must be handled correctly to preserve its integrity. Immediately after expression, transfer the colostrum into small, sterile storage containers, such as 1 mL or 5 mL syringes, which are ideal for small volumes. The syringe should be clearly labeled with your full name, the date, and the time of the first expression for that day.
If you plan to express again later in the day, the syringe can be stored in the refrigerator between sessions. Fresh colostrum can be safely kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 4°C or lower, for up to 48 hours before needing to be frozen. For long-term storage, the colostrum should be frozen at -18°C or colder, where it can be stored for up to six months.
When going to the hospital for birth, transport your frozen supply in a cooler bag packed with ice blocks. Inform your healthcare team upon arrival that you have stored colostrum so they can transfer it to the hospital’s freezer until your baby requires it. Once defrosted, any colostrum must be used within 24 hours and cannot be refrozen.