Colostrum is the first milk produced by the body, with production beginning as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. Densely packed with nutrients, immune factors like antibodies, and white blood cells, it helps protect a newborn from infection and regulate early gut health. Antenatal colostrum harvesting involves expressing and collecting this early milk during the final weeks of pregnancy. This creates a small reserve for supplementary feeding after birth, useful if there is a delay in mature milk production or if the baby is at risk for low blood sugar levels.
Recommended Timing for Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting
For individuals with low-risk pregnancies, the standard recommendation is to begin antenatal colostrum harvesting at or after 36 to 37 weeks of gestation. This timing is considered conservative because stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin, a hormone that can potentially trigger uterine contractions. While current research suggests that antenatal expression does not typically lead to premature labor in low-risk pregnancies, waiting until this later stage minimizes any theoretical risk.
Starting at 37 weeks means the baby has reached “term” status, providing a reassuring buffer should contractions occur. Initially, it is suggested to express for only short periods, perhaps once or twice a day for about three to five minutes on each breast. The initial goal is not volume collection but practicing the technique and gently stimulating breast tissue.
Any small amount collected is beneficial, as a newborn’s first feeds require only a few milliliters. As technique improves, the frequency and duration can gradually increase to two or three times daily for up to ten minutes per breast. This practice builds confidence in manual expression, a valuable skill for establishing feeding after the baby arrives.
Manual Expression Techniques
Manual expression is the preferred method for collecting colostrum before birth because the fluid’s thick, sticky nature makes pump collection difficult. Ensure a comfortable, relaxed setting, and wash hands thoroughly. Applying a warm compress or expressing after a warm shower can sometimes help encourage the flow of colostrum.
To start the technique, gently massage the breast, stroking from the chest wall toward the nipple to stimulate the milk ejection reflex. Position the thumb above the nipple and the index finger below it, forming a “C” shape a few centimeters back from the areola. This positioning is over the milk ducts, avoiding the sensitive nipple itself.
Use a rhythmic motion to compress the breast tissue inward toward the chest and then gently squeeze the thumb and finger together, then release. Avoid sliding the fingers over the skin or pinching the nipple, as this can cause discomfort. Colostrum appears as small, often yellow or clear droplets, which can be collected directly into a small, sterile container, such as a 1ml or 3ml syringe. Rotate the position of the finger and thumb around the areola, like moving around a clock face, to ensure all milk ducts are drained.
When Colostrum Collection is Contraindicated
While antenatal colostrum harvesting is safe for most healthy pregnancies, there are specific medical situations where it should be avoided or only undertaken with direct medical supervision. The primary concern is that nipple stimulation could potentially induce uterine activity, posing a risk in high-risk pregnancies. Individuals who have a history of threatened or actual premature labor should not engage in the practice.
Conditions such as placenta previa, which involves the placenta partially or completely covering the cervix, are definite contraindications. Likewise, a diagnosis of cervical incompetence or the presence of a cervical suture (cerclage) makes expression unsafe. Any experience of unexplained vaginal bleeding during the pregnancy requires immediate cessation of the practice and consultation with a healthcare provider.
Individuals with complex medical histories, such as Type 1 diabetes, severe pre-eclampsia, or carrying multiple babies, should seek personalized guidance before starting. While these conditions may increase the baby’s need for supplemental colostrum, the safety of the mother and the pregnancy must be assessed first. If painful contractions or any other concerning symptoms begin while expressing, the activity must stop immediately, and medical advice should be sought.
Storage and Handling Guidelines
Proper storage of expressed colostrum maintains its safety and nutritional integrity. Each container, typically a capped sterile syringe, should be clearly labeled immediately with the date and time of collection. Colostrum collected over a 24-hour period can be added to the same syringe, provided the syringe is refrigerated between collection sessions.
Freshly expressed colostrum can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours, with six hours acceptable under very clean conditions. For short-term storage, place it in the main body of the refrigerator (4 degrees Celsius or lower), where it can be safely kept for three to five days.
For long-term storage, the capped, labeled syringe should be placed inside a sealed plastic bag and transferred to a deep freezer (-18 degrees Celsius or lower) for up to six months. For delivery, transport the frozen syringes to the hospital in a small cooler bag with ice packs to ensure they remain frozen. Once thawed, the colostrum must be used within 24 hours and should never be refrozen.