Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands, often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich, yellowish color and nutritional value for a newborn. This thick, sticky fluid is packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Its greatest value lies in its high concentration of antibodies, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coat the baby’s intestines. These antibodies provide a protective barrier against infection and support immune system development. Colostrum also acts as a natural laxative, helping the newborn pass meconium (the baby’s first stool), thereby reducing the risk of jaundice. Colostrum harvesting provides a valuable backup supply for the baby’s earliest feeds.
When to Begin Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting
The practice of antenatal colostrum harvesting involves expressing and storing small amounts of colostrum before the baby is born. Healthcare providers generally recommend that women with low-risk pregnancies begin hand expression around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. Starting at this time is considered safe because the stimulation of the breast and nipples releases the hormone oxytocin, which can cause uterine contractions. Waiting until the final weeks reduces any theoretical risk of prompting an early delivery.
It is important to consult with a doctor or midwife before beginning antenatal expression to review individual medical history and confirm it is safe to proceed. Certain high-risk pregnancies have specific contraindications where nipple stimulation should be avoided. These conditions include a history of preterm labor, a cervical stitch (cerclage), or placenta previa (a low-lying placenta). The goal of antenatal harvesting is to have an emergency supply ready, especially for situations where a baby may struggle to feed or requires blood sugar regulation, such as in cases of gestational or pre-existing diabetes.
Even if only a few drops are collected initially, every small quantity of colostrum is beneficial for the newborn. Getting familiar with the technique and the body’s response is a key benefit. Many women start with one short expression session per day and may increase to two or three sessions daily as they get closer to their due date. This practice helps to stimulate the milk ducts, which can increase the confidence and effectiveness of expression after birth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Expression
Hand expression is the most effective method for getting colostrum out, as breast pumps are often inefficient for this thick, viscous fluid. Begin by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting the process. Finding a comfortable, private place and using warmth, such as a warm washcloth or expressing after a shower, can help encourage the milk to flow. (3 sentences)
Start the session by gently massaging the breast, using light strokes from the outer part and moving inward toward the areola for a few minutes. This initial stimulation helps activate the milk ejection reflex, which is the body’s signal to release the colostrum. Next, cup the breast with a “C” shape, placing the thumb above the areola and the index finger below, about one to two inches back from the base of the nipple.
The technique involves a specific rhythmic motion. First, press the thumb and finger straight back toward the chest wall without spreading them apart. Then, gently compress the fingers toward each other while simultaneously rolling them forward toward the nipple, being careful not to pinch or slide the skin. This squeeze-and-roll action encourages the colostrum drops to emerge, and any flow should be directed into a sterile collection container.
Once the flow slows down or stops on one side, rotate the position of the thumb and fingers around the areola to access different milk ducts. Switch to the other breast after about three to five minutes, and repeat the process. Alternating between both breasts two or three times within a single session helps maximize the yield and stimulates the milk-making process.
Collecting, Labeling, and Storing Colostrum
Once the drops of colostrum appear, collecting them efficiently requires the right tools, as the volume is usually very small, often just a few milliliters per session. The best collection tools are small, sterile oral syringes, typically 1 to 5 milliliters in size, which are ideal for drawing up the thick liquid directly from the nipple or a small sterile cup. Using a syringe prevents waste and allows for easy administration to the baby later, as the small size matches the newborn’s tiny stomach capacity.
Proper labeling is a requirement to maintain safety and track the viability of the stored colostrum. Each collected syringe or container must be clearly labeled with the exact date and time of the expression, along with the mother’s name or initials. If a woman expresses multiple times in a single day, she can add fresh colostrum to the same refrigerated syringe, but it should be frozen at the end of the 24-hour period.
For storage, colostrum can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or in a freezer for approximately six months at a temperature of -18°C or lower. When preparing to go to the hospital for birth, the frozen syringes should be placed in a clean plastic bag and transported in a small cool bag with ice packs to maintain the temperature. Any colostrum that has been thawed must be used within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator, or within two hours if left at room temperature.