Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands. This substance is packed with immunoglobulins, proteins, and growth factors perfectly suited for a newborn’s initial needs. Antenatal colostrum harvesting is a technique where a pregnant person manually expresses and saves this milk before birth to ensure a ready supply. Having a banked supply is a proactive step, especially for mothers or babies facing potential feeding challenges, such as those with gestational diabetes or anticipated prematurity. This preparation provides a safety net, allowing the baby to receive the benefits of colostrum even if immediate feeding is difficult or delayed.
Why Colostrum Harvesting Matters
A banked supply of colostrum serves as a highly concentrated first immunization for the newborn. It contains high levels of antibodies, like Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coat the baby’s intestines and strengthen the developing immune system against infections. Colostrum also acts as a natural laxative, helping the newborn pass meconium. Clearing meconium quickly helps to reduce the risk of neonatal jaundice by removing excess bilirubin from the baby’s system.
For newborns identified as high-risk, such as those born to mothers with diabetes, colostrum is valuable for managing blood sugar levels. The small, concentrated volume of this first milk is exactly what a newborn’s tiny stomach can handle, making it easy to digest while providing a dense source of nutrients. Successfully collecting and storing colostrum can boost a mother’s confidence in her ability to nourish her baby. This preparation can alleviate stress and reduce the likelihood of needing to supplement with formula if early feeding issues arise.
When to Start and Safety Precautions
The timing for initiating antenatal colostrum expression is important due to the physiological connection between breast stimulation and uterine activity. Most guidelines recommend starting the practice around 36 or 37 weeks of gestation, which is considered late-term. Nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and causes the milk ejection reflex. Starting expression too early carries a risk of inducing premature labor.
It is necessary to discuss this practice with a healthcare provider before starting, particularly if high-risk pregnancy factors exist. Antenatal expression is not advised for individuals with a history of threatened or actual preterm labor. Contraindications include a diagnosis of placenta previa, an incompetent cervix, or the presence of a cervical suture. If painful contractions, abdominal cramping, or vaginal bleeding occur during expression, the activity must be stopped immediately and a healthcare professional should be contacted.
Step-by-Step Manual Expression Technique
Manual expression is the preferred method for collecting colostrum before birth, as the sticky, small-volume nature of the liquid is difficult to collect with a pump. Begin by washing your hands with soap and water and ensuring you have sterile collection containers. To encourage flow, sit comfortably and relax, perhaps applying a warm compress or gently massaging the breast for a few minutes. Massage should move in long strokes from the chest wall toward the nipple.
Position your thumb and forefinger to form a “C” shape about one to two inches behind the areola. Gently push your fingers back toward your chest wall, then compress them together, and roll them forward toward the nipple without sliding them across the skin. This rolling and squeezing motion mimics a baby’s suckling and should be rhythmic, not painful. Collect any emerging droplets into the tip of the sterile syringe or a small, clean cup.
Continue this process for about five to ten minutes on one breast, then switch to the other, repeating the cycle on each side. It is normal to only collect a few drops or a fraction of a milliliter. Consistency is more important than volume, so aim for a few short sessions—perhaps two to three times a day—rather than one long session. This practice session yields colostrum, helps you learn the technique, and stimulates the milk ducts for postpartum feeding.
Storing and Labeling Collected Colostrum
Once colostrum is collected, safe handling and storage are important. Any colostrum collected during the same 24-hour period can be combined into a single labeled syringe or container. Colostrum should be refrigerated promptly at a temperature of 4°C or lower if it will be used within 24 to 48 hours. For long-term storage, the colostrum should be frozen as soon as possible.
A standard home freezer can store frozen colostrum for up to six months, though a deep freezer at -20°C or lower can extend this to 12 months. Proper labeling must include the exact date and time the colostrum was expressed. When the time comes for delivery, the frozen supply should be transported to the hospital in an insulated cooler bag packed with frozen ice packs. This ensures the “cold chain” is maintained, keeping the colostrum frozen until it is needed for the baby.