Colostrum is the first milk the mammary glands produce, often called “liquid gold” due to its rich, yellowish color and highly concentrated nutritional profile. This fluid provides a dense source of energy, protein, and low levels of fat and sugar. It is packed with immunoglobulins and white blood cells that strengthen the baby’s immune system, offering protection against infection from the moment of birth. Colostrum also has a gentle laxative effect, which helps the baby pass their first dark stool, known as meconium, thereby reducing the risk of jaundice.
Why Harvest Colostrum Before Birth
Antenatal colostrum expression provides a safety net for the newborn in the first few days of life. Storing a small supply ensures that this concentrated first food is immediately available if the baby is unable to latch or feed effectively right after delivery. This is particularly beneficial for infants with specific health concerns, such as those born to mothers with pre-existing or gestational diabetes. Babies of diabetic mothers are at a higher risk of developing low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, after birth, and having colostrum ready can stabilize their glucose levels without needing formula supplementation.
Preparing a supply is helpful if a planned procedure, such as a Cesarean section, or complications lead to a temporary separation of the parent and baby. A reserve of colostrum ensures the baby receives protective and nutritional benefits even if direct nursing is delayed. The process also allows the parent to become familiar with the technique of hand expression, which builds confidence and a useful skill set for the postpartum period.
Essential Safety Guidelines and Timing
Antenatal expression requires prior consultation and clearance from a healthcare provider, such as a midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant. The primary safety concern is that nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions and plays a role in labor. Therefore, expression should only commence after 36 or 37 weeks of gestation in low-risk pregnancies.
Antenatal harvesting is not advised for all individuals and is typically contraindicated in high-risk pregnancies. A history of preterm labor, placenta previa, or any vaginal bleeding during the current pregnancy are reasons to avoid the stimulation. If any painful or regular contractions are felt during an expression session, the individual must stop immediately and seek medical advice.
How Much Colostrum to Harvest Daily
The goal of antenatal expression is to gain skill and store small, concentrated quantities for immediate postnatal use, not to collect a large volume. Colostrum is produced in very small amounts; the typical yield per session in late pregnancy ranges from 0.1 ml to 5 ml. This small volume is appropriate because a newborn’s stomach is tiny, about the size of a marble, and can only hold a few milliliters at a time.
Hand Expression Technique
Hand expression is the preferred method for collecting colostrum because the fluid’s thickness makes mechanical pumps inefficient. To express, first massage the breast gently to encourage flow. Use a “C” shape with the thumb and fingers placed a few centimeters back from the areola, gently pressing back toward the chest wall and then compressing the fingers together rhythmically, without causing pain.
Sessions should be kept short, generally lasting about 5 to 10 minutes per breast, prioritizing safety and consistency over volume. Most guidelines recommend expressing once or twice a day, or up to three times, depending on comfort and time availability. The expressed colostrum should be collected directly into a small, sterile syringe, which is ideal for collecting the thick drops and for later feeding the baby. The amount collected before birth is not an indication of milk supply after delivery.
Safe Storage and Administration
Strict hygiene protocols are necessary to ensure the colostrum is safe for the newborn. Hands must be washed thoroughly before each expression session, and only clean, sterile syringes should be used for collection. Each syringe must be clearly labeled with the date and time of the first expression for that day.
Colostrum collected within a 24-hour period can be stored in the same syringe before being capped and frozen. If refrigerated, fresh colostrum can be safely stored at 4°C for 24 to 48 hours. For longer storage, the syringes should be placed in a clean, sealed plastic bag and stored in a freezer at -18°C or lower, where it can be kept for up to six months.
Frozen colostrum must be transported to the hospital in an insulated cooler bag packed with ice blocks to maintain its frozen state. Once there, medical staff should be informed so they can store the supply in a clinical freezer or refrigerator. The colostrum is typically administered using the syringe or a small cup, often while the baby is skin-to-skin, to provide concentrated nutrients.