Expressing Colostrum: What Every Pregnant Mum Needs to Know

Have you been told to express colostrum in the weeks leading up to the birth of your baby? Last night, I was giving a talk to a group of pregnant mums about breastfeeding, and they had so many questions about expressing colostrum. As a Lactation Consultant, I was super excited about the questions! It was clear that this topic was on everyone’s mind. This post will help you understand why expressing colostrum before birth can be helpful, how to do it, and reassure your worries about your milk supply. I’ll explain what colostrum is, why it’s important, and some steps to help you get started.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk your body makes during pregnancy and just after birth. Your breasts start making colostrum when you’re around 16 weeks pregnant, getting ready for your baby’s arrival. It’s often called “liquid gold” because usually a yellowish colour and it’s packed with nutrients and antibodies that help protect your newborn from infections. Though it can vary in colour from clear to orange. It’s still perfect for your baby no matter the colour. Even though colostrum comes in small amounts, it’s incredibly rich and provides everything your baby needs in the first few days.

Why Expressing Colostrum Matters

Expressing colostrum before birth can be helpful for a few reasons. First, it can be stored and used if your baby has trouble latching in the early days. This can ease some stress and make sure your baby still gets enough of your milk. It’s also a way for you to get familiar with your breasts and how to express milk, making the process easier once your baby arrives. For mums with diabetes, expressing colostrum can help manage your baby’s blood sugar levels after birth. If your baby has a health condition, having extra colostrum on hand can be really useful to give them the best start.

When to Start Expressing Colostrum

It’s generally safe to hand express colostrum the 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy, but always check with your midwife or doctor first. You can express two or three times a day in 15-20 minute sessions in the weeks leading up to birth. And don’t worry, you won’t run out and have nothing left for your baby! Your body will keep making more colostrum until your milk transitions to mature milk (comes in) a few days after your baby’s born.

How to Express Colostrum

You might wonder if you can use a breast pump to express colostrum. It’s not recommended because hand expressing is more effective for colostrum than using a breast pump. Because colostrum is made in such small amounts and it’s quite sticky, it gets caught in the pump parts and stopping you from being able to collect it.

Here are some quick and easy tips to get you started:

• Wash your hands.
• Form a C shape with your fingers.
• Place your fingers a few centimetres back from the base of your nipple.
• Push back towards your chest wall and gently squeeze and release around the areola to express colostrum or milk.
• Be careful not to squeeze too hard, even if you’re not getting any colostrum out. It’s very easy to bruise your breast tissue which can hurt.
• Carefully collect it in a clean container or syringe , remembering to label it with the date for storage, if needed.

Storing and Transporting Colostrum

Store colostrum in any clean, food safe containers or the syringes you used to collect it. Make sure you label the container with the date you expressed. Colostrum can be kept in the freezer for 3 months so keep it in the freezer until you go to hospital for the birth. You can take it to the hospital in an insulated cooler bag with ice bricks when the time comes.

How Much Colostrum Do I Need to Collect?

There’s no set amount of colostrum you need to collect. Just take whatever you have stored to the hospital with you (make sure you tell your midwife you have it so they can put it in the freezer!). Lots of mums worry that they can only get a few drops out or none at all. Don’t stress! This is completely normal. Colostrum is only made in tiny amounts. The amount you can express doesn’t tell us anything about what your milk supply will be like after your baby’s born. Small amounts of colostrum doesn’t mean that you’ll have a low milk supply. Remember, your baby’s tummy is very small at birth and the small amounts of colostrum you’re making is all they need for the first few days.

Preparing for Breastfeeding: More Than Just Colostrum

Collecting colostrum is just one part of getting ready to breastfeed. There’s so much more to learn and prepare for to help breastfeeding go well! For more tips and guidance, download my free Preparing for Breastfeeding guide. 

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, expressing colostrum can help you feel more confident about breastfeeding. Remember, colostrum is precious—whether you collect a little or a lot, it provides essential nutrients and protection for your baby’s early days.

If you have any questions or want to share what you took away from this post, DM me on Instagram. Happy breastfeeding! 🤱