Antenatal colostrum expression involves collecting small amounts of breast milk during the final weeks of pregnancy. This initial milk, colostrum, is highly beneficial for newborns. Having a stored supply can be particularly useful if a baby faces challenges with feeding or requires additional nutrition shortly after birth.
Understanding Colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk produced by the mammary glands, from around 16 weeks of pregnancy until a few days after birth. It is thicker and more yellowish than mature breast milk due to its concentration of nutrients and antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin A. This “liquid gold” is packed with protein and white blood cells that produce antibodies, such as immunoglobulin A, bolstering a newborn’s developing immune system against infections.
Colostrum also aids in establishing a healthy gut by coating the intestines, preventing harmful bacteria from being absorbed. Its natural laxative effect helps newborns pass meconium, their first sticky black stool, which can reduce the risk of jaundice. Colostrum is also easily digestible due to its low fat and sugar content, offering concentrated nutrition that helps regulate a baby’s blood sugar levels and supports acclimation to the external world.
Optimal Timing for Antenatal Expression
Antenatal colostrum expression is generally recommended to begin around 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. This timing is advised to avoid the potential risk of stimulating premature labor, as breast stimulation can release oxytocin, a hormone that also triggers uterine contractions.
Starting expression later in pregnancy ensures that the baby is closer to full-term development, minimizing risks associated with early contractions. Consulting a healthcare provider is always recommended to determine the safest and most appropriate time to begin based on one’s specific health profile.
How to Express and Store Colostrum
Hand expression is the recommended method for collecting colostrum due to its thick, small volume, which can stick to pump parts. To begin, wash hands thoroughly and apply warmth to the breasts with a warm flannel or wheat bag for three to five minutes to encourage milk flow. Gently massage the breast, then position the thumb and fingers about two to three centimeters from the nipple, pushing back towards the chest wall.
Compress the fingers and thumb together in a rhythmic pattern, rolling them forward without squeezing or dragging the skin. Collect the drops of colostrum in a clean, sterile container, like a one to two milliliter syringe. Rotate the hand around the areola to ensure colostrum is expressed from all areas of the breast, repeating the process on the other breast when the flow slows.
Expressed colostrum can be stored in the same syringe for up to 48 hours if refrigerated between uses. Once the syringe is full, or after 48 hours, it should be placed in a zip-lock bag, labeled with the date and time, and then frozen. Frozen colostrum can be stored for up to six months and should be transported to the hospital in a cool bag with ice packs.
Important Considerations Before Pumping
Before beginning antenatal colostrum expression, it is necessary to consult with a doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant. Certain medical conditions or pregnancy complications may make antenatal expression unsafe. These include:
History of threatened or actual premature labor
Cervical incompetence
Cervical suture
Placenta previa
Any bleeding during pregnancy
Certain high-risk multiple pregnancies
While antenatal expression can be beneficial, particularly for mothers with diabetes or those whose babies are anticipated to have feeding difficulties, medical guidance ensures safety for both the mother and the developing baby. If any uterine contractions or abdominal pain occur during expression, stop immediately and contact a healthcare provider.