Colostrum is the first milk produced by the breasts, frequently referred to as “liquid gold” due to its rich, concentrated blend of nutrients and immune-boosting compounds. This thick, sticky substance is packed with antibodies that protect a newborn from infection and helps stabilize blood sugar levels immediately after birth. Colostrum harvesting, also known as antenatal expression, is the practice of manually expressing and collecting small amounts of this milk during the final weeks of pregnancy to build a stored supply. This ensures the baby receives this beneficial substance even if initial breastfeeding is delayed or challenging.
Reasons Healthcare Providers Recommend Harvesting
Healthcare providers recommend colostrum harvesting when medical conditions or birth circumstances may affect the baby’s health or the speed of milk production. A primary indication is for those with pre-existing or gestational diabetes, as their newborns are at an increased risk of experiencing low blood sugar shortly after delivery. Having banked colostrum allows immediate supplementation to stabilize the baby’s glucose levels without needing formula.
Harvesting is also advised when a delay in the onset of mature milk is anticipated, such as after a planned cesarean section or if there is a history of previous breastfeeding difficulties. Conditions that make a baby less able to feed effectively immediately after birth, like a cleft lip or palate, Down syndrome, or fetal growth restriction, also benefit from this preparation. Stored colostrum provides an easily digestible source of calories and protective factors while the baby learns to feed or the parent’s full milk supply is established.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manual Expression
Start by ensuring you are relaxed and comfortable; applying a warm compress or expressing after a warm shower encourages milk flow. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to maintain hygiene. Gentle massage of the breast is the first step, using a flat hand or fingertips to stroke from the chest wall toward the nipple for a few minutes to stimulate the milk ejection reflex.
Next, position your hand in a “C-shape” around the areola, placing your thumb above and index finger below the nipple, about two to three centimeters back from the base. Gently press your thumb and finger inward toward the chest wall, then compress them together in a rhythmic, squeezing motion.
Look for small droplets of colostrum to appear on the nipple, which can be collected directly into a sterile, small-volume syringe (typically one to five milliliters). Once the flow slows or stops, rotate the position of your hand around the areola to access other milk ducts, repeating the motion. After completing the first breast, move to the second and repeat the process, switching back and forth as needed to maximize the yield.
Timing, Supplies, and Safety Precautions
Colostrum harvesting should begin only after 36 or 37 full weeks of gestation and after consultation with a healthcare provider. Nipple stimulation during expression releases oxytocin, a hormone that can potentially cause uterine contractions, which is why starting too early is not recommended. For most low-risk pregnancies, expressing once or twice daily for short durations, usually five to ten minutes per session, is recommended.
Stop expressing immediately and seek medical advice if you experience painful contractions or vaginal bleeding. The practice is not advised for those with a history of premature labor, a short cervix, a cervical stitch, or placenta previa, as nipple stimulation increases the risk of inducing labor. Essential supplies include sterile syringes with caps for collection and storage, along with labels to mark each container clearly.
Proper Storage and Administration
Once collected, the sterile syringe must be labeled with the exact date and time of the first expression. If expressing multiple times daily, syringes can be refrigerated between sessions and combined or frozen at the end of the day. Freshly collected colostrum can be stored safely at room temperature for up to four hours, or kept in the refrigerator (4°C or colder) for up to four days before freezing.
For longer-term storage, colostrum should be frozen at -18°C or lower for up to six months. Frozen colostrum should be thawed in the refrigerator or by placing the syringe in lukewarm water, avoiding microwaves or boiling water, which destroy beneficial properties. The thawed colostrum can then be administered to the baby using the syringe, a small cup, or a soft spoon.