Colostrum, often called “liquid gold,” is the first milk your body produces, starting around the 16th week of pregnancy and continuing for the first few days after birth. This thick, yellowish fluid is highly concentrated with antibodies, proteins, and growth factors tailored to support a newborn’s immune system and gut health. Antenatal collection involves hand-expressing this colostrum in the final weeks of pregnancy and storing it for later use. This practice provides a ready supply if a newborn has difficulty latching, requires extra feeds, or needs assistance stabilizing blood sugar levels, particularly in cases of maternal diabetes. Having a stored supply helps ensure the baby receives only human milk and avoids formula supplementation immediately postpartum.
Determining When to Safely Begin
Safety must be the primary consideration before beginning any antenatal expression. You must consult with your healthcare provider, such as an obstetrician or midwife, before starting. This consultation is necessary because nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin, which promotes uterine contractions. While expressing colostrum is considered safe for most low-risk pregnancies, timing is a protective measure against inducing labor prematurely.
For a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, the recommended time to begin expressing colostrum is after 36 or 37 weeks of gestation. Starting the practice too early is discouraged due to the theoretical risk of stimulating contractions. You should immediately stop expressing if you experience any painful, regular contractions or vaginal bleeding.
Antenatal expression is not advised if you have certain high-risk conditions. Contraindications include a history of preterm labor, a diagnosed short cervix, or a cervical suture in place. If you have placenta previa or have experienced bleeding during the current pregnancy, you should not attempt to express colostrum. Your healthcare provider will confirm if the practice is appropriate for your medical history.
Essential Supplies and Step-by-Step Collection
The collection process requires specific, sterile supplies to ensure the colostrum remains safe for your baby. You will need small, single-use syringes, typically 1 to 3 milliliters in size, which are ideal for collecting and storing the small volumes produced. Additionally, you should have clean, food-grade containers, such as small cups or spoons, for initial collection, along with hygiene supplies like soap and water.
Begin by washing your hands thoroughly and finding a quiet, comfortable place to sit. Applying a warm compress or taking a warm shower beforehand can help encourage the milk to flow. Gently massage your breast for about 30 seconds to stimulate the milk ducts.
To express, form a “C” shape with your thumb and index finger, placing them a couple of inches away from the areola, avoiding the nipple itself. Press your fingers and thumb back toward your chest wall, then gently compress them together with a slight rolling motion toward the nipple. The goal is to compress the milk ducts without causing pain or pulling on the skin.
Colostrum will appear as small droplets, which you can collect directly into the tip of the syringe or onto a sterile spoon, then draw up with the syringe. Once the flow slows, rotate your hand position around the areola to stimulate different areas and repeat the expressing action. Aim to express from each breast for about three to five minutes, or up to ten minutes total per session, repeating the collection once or twice a day.
Proper Storage and Transportation
Once collected, maintaining the safety and quality of the colostrum requires following specific storage guidelines. Freshly expressed colostrum can be kept at room temperature (77°F or 25°C or cooler) for a maximum of four hours. If you collect multiple small amounts throughout the day, store the syringe in the refrigerator between sessions.
For longer storage, colostrum can be refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) for up to four days. For long-term preservation, the colostrum should be frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or colder. Frozen colostrum is best used within six months, though it is acceptable for up to twelve months.
Ensure every syringe or container is clearly labeled with the date and time of the first expression. When transporting your frozen supply to the hospital or birthing center, place the labeled syringes in a sealed plastic bag inside an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. This keeps the colostrum frozen or very cold until hospital staff can transfer it to a designated freezer.