Colostrum is the initial milk produced by the mammary glands, often referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich yellow color and dense concentration of beneficial compounds. This highly concentrated fluid is packed with antibodies, proteins, and growth factors that provide the newborn with its first immunological defense and nutritional boost. Antenatal colostrum harvesting (ACH) is the process of manually expressing and storing this first milk during the final weeks of pregnancy. Storing this supply creates a reserve, ensuring the baby has access to their mother’s milk immediately after birth, particularly if unexpected feeding challenges arise.
Medical Reasons to Harvest Colostrum
Having a supply of harvested colostrum is beneficial for infants who may face difficulties with early feeding or blood sugar regulation. Infants of mothers with diabetes (pre-existing or gestational) are at higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Stored colostrum, rich in sugars and nutrients, stabilizes glucose levels quickly, potentially avoiding formula supplementation.
The immune-boosting properties of colostrum are highly protective for vulnerable newborns. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, particularly secretory IgA, which coats the baby’s immature digestive tract, protecting against infection and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. This supply is invaluable if the mother and baby are anticipated to be separated, such as in cases of a planned cesarean section, premature birth, or an expected stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
A stored supply is also justified for conditions that make immediate, effective feeding at the breast difficult. These include babies diagnosed with a cleft lip or palate, certain cardiac conditions, or Down syndrome. Maternal factors, such as a history of previous breast surgery, insufficient glandular tissue (hypoplasia), or taking certain medications, can sometimes lead to a delayed or insufficient milk supply. The small volume of colostrum needed is perfectly suited for a newborn’s marble-sized stomach, delivering maximum nutrition in a manageable dose.
Safety Considerations and Timing Guidelines
Antenatal colostrum harvesting requires consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure maternal and fetal safety. Manual expression involves breast stimulation, which releases oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions. Although the amount released is usually insufficient to induce labor in a low-risk pregnancy, professional clearance is necessary.
Women with a low-risk pregnancy should begin expressing no earlier than 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. This timing minimizes the theoretical risk of stimulating preterm labor. Certain high-risk medical conditions contraindicate antenatal harvesting.
Women with a history of preterm labor, a diagnosed placenta previa (low-lying placenta), or a cervical stitch (cerclage) should not attempt expression. If any uterine cramping, contractions, or vaginal bleeding occurs during the process, the activity must be stopped immediately and medical advice sought.
Step-by-Step Guide to Collection and Storage
Antenatal colostrum is best collected using manual expression, as the small volume and thick consistency make pumping difficult. Start by washing hands thoroughly, then position yourself comfortably, ideally after a warm shower, as warmth helps stimulate milk flow. Gently massage the breast, stroking from the chest wall toward the nipple for several minutes to encourage milk release.
To express, place the thumb above the nipple and the forefinger below it, forming a ‘C’ shape about an inch behind the areola. Gently press the fingers back toward the chest wall, then compress them together in a rhythmic, gentle action. Avoid painful pinching or sliding the fingers across the skin. As small golden droplets appear, collect them directly into a sterile 1-milliliter (ml) syringe, using the plunger to draw up the milk.
Once collected, the syringe must be capped and labeled with the date, time of expression, and the mother’s name. Freshly expressed colostrum can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours between collections to accumulate multiple expressions in the same syringe. For long-term storage, place the capped, labeled syringes inside a clean, sealable bag and immediately transfer them to a freezer maintained at -18°C. When transporting the supply to the hospital, it must be kept frozen in a small cooler with ice packs.
Administering Harvested Colostrum
After delivery, stored colostrum can be used if the newborn requires extra feeding support. Frozen colostrum must be thawed safely, either by placing the sealed syringe in the refrigerator or by running warm water over the container. Once thawed, the colostrum should be administered within 24 hours and must never be refrozen.
The small amounts are administered using gentle methods that support early feeding development. These methods often include syringe feeding, where the milk is slowly delivered into the baby’s mouth, or cup feeding, which encourages the baby to lap the milk. The hospital’s lactation consultant or nursing staff will provide guidance on the most appropriate method of administration for the baby’s specific needs.