Antenatal colostrum harvesting is the process of gently hand-expressing and collecting the first milk your body produces before your baby is born. This thick, yellowish fluid, often called “liquid gold,” is packed with antibodies to protect against infection, helps stabilize the baby’s blood sugar levels, and assists in the passage of the first bowel movement, or meconium.
The purpose of harvesting is to create a small reserve of this nutrient-dense milk for use after birth, especially if the baby needs extra supplementation or if initial breastfeeding is delayed. A stored supply is helpful for babies at risk of low blood sugar, such as those whose mothers have diabetes, or for those who may have trouble feeding initially due to congenital conditions or a planned cesarean section. It also serves as an opportunity for the mother to become familiar with hand expression, boosting confidence for the postpartum period.
When to Begin Colostrum Collection
Before starting collection, have a detailed conversation with your healthcare provider, such as your doctor or midwife, to ensure antenatal harvesting is safe for your pregnancy. Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, a hormone that also causes uterine contractions, which makes timing a major safety consideration.
For low-risk pregnancies, the recommended starting time is typically around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. Starting earlier is not advised due to the risk of inducing preterm labor. Immediately stop expressing and contact your healthcare team if you experience painful or regular contractions, or any vaginal bleeding.
Antenatal expression should be avoided in specific medical situations, known as contraindications, unless explicitly cleared by a medical professional. These include having a cervical stitch in place, experiencing vaginal bleeding, or having a known placenta previa. A history of threatened preterm labor before 36 weeks or a diagnosis of polyhydramnios are also reasons to avoid the practice.
Typical Colostrum Yields and Targets
The primary goal of antenatal harvesting is to obtain a small, concentrated reserve and to practice the expression technique, not to collect a large volume. Initially, the yield is very small, often just a few drops per session, which is normal and expected. Every drop contains immense nutritional and immunological value for the newborn.
With consistent practice, the volume may gradually increase from drops to about 1 to 5 milliliters (mL) per collection session over several weeks. Studies suggest the average total volume collected over a few weeks is often less than 5 mL. Consistency in expressing, typically two to three times a day for short periods, is far more beneficial than pushing for high volumes.
The amount collected antenatally does not reflect your future milk supply once mature milk comes in. The total target is to have a manageable supply of 5 mL to 10 mL stored in individual syringes for immediate use if needed. Storing colostrum in small, single-feed increments, such as 1 to 2 mL portions, is recommended to prevent waste, as newborns only require tiny amounts in the first few days.
Techniques for Safe Harvesting and Storage
The only recommended method for antenatal colostrum collection is hand expression, as breast pumps are ineffective. To begin, wash your hands thoroughly and find a comfortable, relaxed position, perhaps after a warm shower. Gently massage your breasts first, using a light, circular motion from the outer edges toward the areola to stimulate the milk ejection reflex.
Next, place your thumb and forefinger in a “C” shape about two to three centimeters back from the base of the nipple. Gently press your fingers straight back toward your chest wall, then compress them together in a rhythmic motion without sliding them over the skin. Collect any visible drops directly into a sterile syringe, typically 1 mL size, or into a small, sterile container.
For storage, you can add to the same sterile syringe throughout the day, keeping it capped and refrigerated between expression sessions. At the end of the day, or once the syringe is full, it must be labeled with the date and time of the first expression. The syringe should then be placed into a clean, freezer-safe bag and transferred to a freezer set at -18°C or lower, where it can be stored for up to six months.
When transporting your frozen supply to the hospital, it must be kept frozen in a cooler with ice packs. Once a syringe of colostrum is thawed, it should be used immediately and any remaining milk must be discarded within 24 hours to ensure safety. Thawing can be done quickly by placing the sealed syringe in a cup of lukewarm water.