Colostrum, often referred to as the "liquid gold" of breastfeeding, is the first milk produced by a birthing person’s breasts. It's a nutrient-dense substance that provides essential antibodies and other vital components to protect your baby's immune system. While most birthing people produce colostrum naturally, having a supply on hand in the days immediately after birth can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.

Why Harvest Colostrum Prenatally?

Delayed or Weak Latch: If your baby has difficulty latching onto the breast or you experience a delayed onset of milk production, having a stash of colostrum can provide crucial nourishment until breastfeeding is well-established… without supplementing with formula.
Premature Birth: For premature babies, colostrum can be especially important as it contains specific antibodies that are crucial for their developing immune systems.
Medical Concerns: In cases where a mother or baby has medical conditions that may affect breastfeeding, having a supply of colostrum can offer peace of mind.

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How to Hand Express Colostrum

Hand expressing colostrum is a gentle technique that can be learned during prenatal classes or with the guidance of a lactation specialist. It’s much more gentle when compared to using a manual or electric pump, making it ideal in the prenatal period when your breasts are likely highly sensitive.

You can begin hand expressing as early as 36 weeks, with the approval of your healthcare provider.

Here's how to do it!

1️⃣ wash your hands

2️⃣ gather materials such as a clean bowl or cup, or a sterile syringe for colostrum

3️⃣ get comfortable, you may need to lean slightly forward

4️⃣ gently massage your breasts, stroking from the back of the breast towards the nipple

5️⃣ cup your breast in a C shape with your thumb on top and your fingers below the nipple

6️⃣move your fingers a few centimeters back from the breast

7️⃣press back towards your chest, compress, and release (be careful NOT to slide your fingers)

8️⃣repeat in a rhythmic pattern

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Storing Colostrum

Use a small syringe: A 1ml or 2ml syringe is perfect for collecting colostrum.

Refrigerate or freeze: Store colostrum in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 12 months. Label each container with the date and time of collection.

What to Expect

At first, it’s likely that you’ll only see a bit of a glistening sheen on your nipple. After a few days of practice and stimulation to the breast, you’ll likely begin to see a few drops at a time. On day one, your newborn’s stomach is only as big as a cherry and can hold 5-7 mL at a time.

By harvesting colostrum prenatally, you're taking a proactive step to support your newborn's health and well-being. Book a Prenatal Breastfeeding Planning Session for personalized advice and guidance on breastfeeding and colostrum collection.