Colostrum harvesting
Colostrum harvesting means hand-expressing and freezing small amounts of your first breast milk from around 37 weeks of pregnancy, so a ready supply is on hand if your baby needs it after birth.
Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold”, is the first breast milk your body produces during pregnancy and just after birth. It's rich in antibodies and nutrients, a powerful start for your baby's immune system. Colostrum harvesting involves collecting this nutrient-dense substance before your baby is born, so it's ready to use if baby needs it. Colostrum boosts baby's immune system and aids in the development of a healthy gut. It provides a natural laxative effect to help clear the baby's digestive system of meconium and is a nutritional superfood. Small amounts are enough, so don't worry if you're not producing a lot (or any).
The essentials
- When to
- Consider harvesting from 37 weeks of pregnancy if you're experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, have a condition such as diabetes, or are expecting a preterm baby.
- When not to
- Don't harvest if you have a history of preterm labour, are experiencing significant bleeding or a condition like placenta praevia, or your obstetrician advises against it.
- Preparation
- Prepare colostrum syringes and wash your hands thoroughly before expressing. Make sure you're comfortable and relaxed – many women prefer to try expressing in the bath.
- Technique
- Massage your breasts in a circular motion, then place thumb and fingers around the areola and gently compress. Collect the colostrum in a sterile syringe or container.
- Storage
- Defrost in the fridge overnight or under warm running water. Use it within 24 hours and don't refreeze. Warm to body temperature before feeding, and feed with a clean spoon or syringe.
- Usage
- Label the container with your name, date, and time of expression. Store the collected colostrum at the back of the fridge at 4°C, or in the freezer at -18°C or lower.
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This guide is informed by current evidence and clinical practice. Individual circumstances vary — it isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, doctor or lactation consultant.