Colostrum, often called “liquid gold” or “first milk,” provides foundational nourishment and protection for newborns. This concentrated substance provides foundational nourishment and protection in a baby’s earliest days. Developing the ability to hand express colostrum is a valuable skill for new parents, offering flexibility and support for infant feeding. Learning this technique helps parents provide this precious resource effectively.
Understanding Colostrum
Colostrum is a thick, yellowish fluid that the body produces from around 16 weeks of pregnancy and for the first few days after birth. It is rich in antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coats the baby’s gut to help protect against infections and promote healthy gut development. This “first milk” also contains growth factors, white blood cells, proteins, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, copper, and zinc. Despite its small volume, colostrum is nutrient-dense and easily digestible, helping to stabilize a newborn’s blood sugar levels and assisting in the passage of meconium, their first stool.
Why and When to Hand Express
Hand expression of colostrum is beneficial in several situations, providing a reserve for newborns. Parents might choose to express antenatally, typically starting around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, after consulting with a healthcare provider. This practice is helpful if there are concerns about the baby’s feeding in the early days, such as with gestational diabetes, cleft lip or palate, or anticipated premature birth. Having a store of colostrum can also support babies experiencing latching difficulties, sleepiness, or jaundice, potentially reducing the need for formula supplementation. Hand expression is also an effective method to relieve breast engorgement and stimulate milk production in the initial postpartum period.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Expression
Preparation is required for hand expression to ensure hygiene and comfort. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before starting, and have a clean, sterile container or syringe ready for collection. Finding a relaxed and comfortable position can help encourage milk flow. Gently massaging your breast, using long strokes from the armpit towards the nipple or circular motions, can stimulate the milk ejection reflex.
To begin expressing, form a “C” shape with your thumb above your nipple and your fingers below, about two to three centimeters back from the base of the nipple. Press your thumb and fingers straight back into your chest wall, then gently compress them together, rolling them slightly forward towards the nipple. Avoid sliding your fingers along the skin or squeezing the nipple itself, as this can cause discomfort. The motion should be rhythmic: press, compress, release, then repeat.
Initially, only small drops of colostrum may appear, as it is produced in concentrated, small volumes. As the flow slows, rotate your hand position around the breast, imagining a clock face, to ensure all milk ducts are stimulated and drained. Continue expressing from one breast for a few minutes, then switch to the other, repeating until the flow diminishes. Use a gentle technique, as hand expression should not cause pain.
Storing and Using Expressed Colostrum
Proper storage of expressed colostrum is important to maintain its quality and safety. Colostrum can be collected directly into sterile syringes or small, clean, food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids. Each container should be clearly labeled with the date and time of expression. Freshly expressed colostrum can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to four hours.
For longer storage, colostrum can be refrigerated at 4°C (40°F) or lower for up to four days. Freezing allows for extended storage, with colostrum remaining viable for up to six months at -18°C (0°F) or colder. When combining expressed colostrum, ensure new additions are cooled to the same temperature as the refrigerated or frozen portions before mixing.
When preparing to use frozen colostrum, it can be thawed by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or by holding the container under warm running water. Microwaving expressed colostrum is not recommended, as it can create hot spots that might burn a baby’s mouth and can degrade beneficial components. Colostrum can be administered to the baby using a small syringe, spoon, or a tiny cup. Any thawed colostrum should be used within 24 hours if refrigerated, and any milk left over from a feeding should be discarded.