Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is the first milk produced by the breasts. This thick, yellowish fluid is packed with concentrated nutrients, high levels of protein, and disease-fighting antibodies, such as secretory immunoglobulin A. Antenatal expression, or collecting this early milk before birth, ensures a supply is available for the newborn, particularly for infants at risk of low blood sugar or those needing supplementation after delivery. Having a small store of colostrum available can help avoid the need to use formula in the first few days of life if the baby needs additional feeds.
Essential Safety Precautions and Timing
Consult with a healthcare provider (doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant) before beginning antenatal colostrum expression. This step ensures the practice is safe for the specific pregnancy, as breast stimulation can cause the body to release oxytocin, a hormone that may trigger uterine contractions. Colostrum expression is typically not recommended for individuals with a history of preterm labor, placenta previa, or unexplained bleeding during the pregnancy.
For low-risk pregnancies, the recommended time to start is usually after 36 or 37 weeks of gestation. Starting gently and limiting each session to a few minutes, two to three times a day, is advised to minimize uterine stimulation. If any regular contractions, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding occur, expression must be stopped immediately, and the healthcare provider should be contacted.
Manual Expression: The Core Technique
Manual expression is the most effective method for collecting small amounts of colostrum, as it is gentler and more efficient than using a breast pump. Thoroughly wash your hands and find a comfortable, relaxed position. Applying a warm compress to the breast for a few minutes can help encourage milk flow.
Start with a gentle breast massage, using a light stroking motion from the outer edges of the breast toward the nipple to stimulate the milk ducts. After the massage, position your thumb above the nipple and your fingers below, forming a “C” shape a few centimeters back from the areola. The technique involves three distinct actions: pushing straight back toward the chest wall, gently compressing the thumb and fingers together without sliding, and then releasing the compression.
This rhythmic press-compress-release motion should be repeated to elicit drops of colostrum, which may only appear as a glisten on the nipple at first. After a few minutes, rotate the finger position around the areola, imagining a clock face, to ensure all milk ducts are stimulated. Avoid pinching the nipple itself, as this can cause soreness, and stop if the process becomes painful.
Capturing Colostrum Without a Syringe
Colostrum can be successfully captured using sterile, small containers other than syringes. For the thick, small drops of colostrum, a clean, sterile teaspoon, a small medicine cup, or a dedicated colostrum collection vial can be held directly to the nipple. The small amounts of colostrum will gather in the curve of the spoon or the base of the cup, preventing loss.
If using a spoon or cup, the next step is transferring the collected drops into a final storage container, such as a small, clean food-grade jar or a sterile breast milk storage bag. The concentrated, sticky nature of the colostrum means it may cling to the collection surface, so carefully scooping it up or tipping it directly into the storage vessel is necessary. For those who express a slightly larger volume, a small, sterile tube or vial with a tight-fitting lid is an excellent alternative for both collection and long-term storage.
Storage and Labeling Guidelines
Proper handling of collected colostrum is necessary to maintain quality and safety. Once the expression session is complete, the container must be sealed and labeled clearly with the date and time of the collection. If multiple collection sessions occur within a 24-hour period, the colostrum can typically be added to the same container, provided it has been stored in the refrigerator between uses.
Freshly expressed colostrum can be safely kept in the refrigerator, ideally at 4°C (40°F) or colder, for up to 48 hours before it must be used or frozen. For long-term storage, the colostrum should be promptly transferred to a freezer at -18°C (0°F) or colder, where it can be stored for up to six months. When taking the frozen colostrum to the hospital or birthing center, transport it in an insulated cooler bag packed with ice packs to ensure it remains completely frozen until it can be placed in a medical-grade freezer.