Colostrum harvesting; What is it and why does it matter?

What Is Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting?

Antenatal colostrum harvesting is the practice of hand-expressing and storing small amounts of colostrum during the final weeks of pregnancy, before your baby is born.

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, the behind the scenes process begins around 16 weeks gestation. It’s thick, golden, and highly concentrated with nutrients and immune factors. Unlike mature milk, which increases in volume a few days after birth, colostrum is produced in small amounts—but those small amounts are perfectly designed for a newborn’s tiny stomach.

Harvesting colostrum antenatally means expressing it (usually from around 36–37 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by your care provider), collecting it in sterile syringes or containers, and freezing it for use after birth if needed.

Why Consider Harvesting Colostrum?

Colostrum harvesting isn’t necessary for everyone, but it can be particularly useful in certain situations.

1. Babies at Higher Risk of Feeding Challenges

It may be recommended if:

• You have diabetes (gestational or pre-existing)

• Your baby is expected to be large or small for gestational age

• There is a planned caesarean birth

• You are expecting twins or multiples

• There are known medical concerns that may affect feeding

• You have PCOS

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Babies born to parents with diabetes, for example, are at increased risk of low blood sugar after birth. Having expressed colostrum available can help stabilize blood glucose without needing formula supplementation.

2. To Reduce the Need for Formula

If supplementation is medically indicated in the early days, your own colostrum can be used instead of formula. This supports:

• Gut health

• Immune protection

• Early breastfeeding establishment

3. To Build Confidence Before Birth

Hand expressing before birth helps you:

• Learn how your breasts respond

• Become familiar with expressing techniques

• Feel more prepared for feeding your baby

The Benefits of Colostrum

Colostrum is often called “liquid gold” for good reason.

It contains:

• High levels of antibodies (especially IgA)

• White blood cells

• Growth factors

• Concentrated protein

• Easily digestible nutrients

• Natural laxative properties to help clear meconium

Colostrum supports the development of your baby’s immune system and digestive tract. It also helps reduce the risk of infections and supports early gut colonization with beneficial bacteria.

Because it’s produced in small volumes, it matches the size of a newborn’s stomach, whilst also being tailor made for your unique baby.

Why Might Mature Milk Be Delayed?

After birth, your body transitions from producing colostrum to producing larger volumes of milk. This process is called Lactogenesis 2 and usually occurs around 2–4 days postpartum.

However, milk “coming in” can sometimes be delayed.

Common reasons include:

• Caesarean birth (especially unplanned)

• Birth complications

• Significant blood loss

• Retained placenta fragments

• High maternal stress

• Diabetes

• Limited breast stimulation in the first 24 hours

• Separation from baby

• Certain hormonal conditions (e.g., PCOS or thyroid disorders)

When milk production is delayed, having stored colostrum available can bridge the gap and support exclusive breastfeeding.

How to Harvest Colostrum Safely

Before starting, always check with your midwife, obstetrician, or healthcare provider, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or a history of preterm labour.

When to Start

Most providers recommend starting at around 36–37 weeks of pregnancy, unless medically advised otherwise.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Expressing

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Ensure you are relaxed and comfortable. Warm compresses can help stimulate flow.

3. Gently massage your breast in circular motions.

4. Place your thumb and fingers about 2–3 cm behind the nipple.

5. Press back toward the chest wall, then gently compress and release in a rhythmic motion.

6. Avoid sliding your fingers along the skin.

7. Rotate finger positions around the areola, much like moving round a clock number by number, as the flow stops/slows.

8. Collect drops of colostrum in a sterile syringe or small container.

It may only be drops at first—that’s completely normal.

Storage Guidelines

• Collect into sterile oral syringes (often 1–5 ml).

• Label with your name, date, and time.

• Freeze immediately after collection.

• Transport to the hospital in a cool bag with ice packs if needed.

Always follow local hospital storage guidelines.

Things to Consider Before Starting

• Mild uterine tightenings can occur during expressing due to oxytocin release. This is usually harmless at term, but stop if contractions become regular or painful.

• Do not use an electric pump, hand expression is recommended antenatally.

• If you experience vaginal bleeding, painful contractions, or reduced fetal movements, seek medical advice immediately.

• Not everyone will be able to collect colostrum before birth, and that’s okay. It does not predict your future milk supply.

  
  

Does Harvesting Colostrum Increase Labour Risk?

Current evidence suggests that expressing colostrum from 36–37 weeks in low-risk pregnancies does not significantly increase the risk of preterm labour. However, it should always be discussed with your care provider to ensure it is appropriate for you.

Final Thoughts

Antenatal colostrum harvesting is a proactive, empowering option for some families, especially where early feeding challenges are anticipated. It can provide reassurance, reduce the need for formula, and support a smoother start to breastfeeding.

However, it’s not essential for everyone, and not being able to collect colostrum before birth does not mean you won’t produce enough milk after your baby arrives.

If you’re considering it, speak with your midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant to decide whether it’s right for you.

Your body is already preparing to nourish your baby, colostrum harvesting is simply one way to support that journey