In the very first hours and days after giving birth, your baby’s tiny stomach needs only small, concentrated feeds. This is where colostrum milk becomes essential. Rich in antibodies and nutrients, it supports your newborn’s immune system and lays the foundation for healthy digestion.
If you’re an expectant or new mom wondering about how to collect colostrum, you’re not alone. Many mothers are curious about colostrum harvesting, whether it can be done before birth, and the best way to store it safely. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about colostrum, when and how to start expressing, and how Hegen’s supportive tools can make the process easier.
What is Colostrum
Colostrum milk is the first form of breastmilk produced during pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. Often called “liquid gold” because of its rich golden color and valuable benefits, it is packed with immune-boosting antibodies, white blood cells, and protective bioactives that help shield your baby from infections.
It also helps line and protect your newborn’s gut, kickstarting healthy digestion and supporting long-term immunity. Because of its unique composition—higher in protein and lower in fat and sugar compared to mature milk—colostrum is easily digestible for tiny newborn stomachs, which is why colostrum is so important.
When to Begin Colostrum Harvesting
Many mothers begin colostrum harvesting from around 36 weeks of pregnancy, provided there are no medical concerns. For most women with low-risk pregnancies, it is safe to try gentle hand expression of colostrum before birth.
If you have complications such as placenta praevia, a history of premature labour, or any concerns about contractions, it’s essential to consult your doctor, midwife or healthcare professional before beginning.
How to Hand Express Colostrum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hand expression is the recommended method for collecting colostrum milk, especially in the small amounts produced before and immediately after birth. While pumps can be useful later, gentle hand expression is more effective at capturing every drop of this nutrient-rich liquid. With a calm environment and some practice, even a few drops can provide powerful benefits for your newborn.
1. Prepare for Expression
Before you start, it’s important to set the stage for comfort and hygiene:
- Choose a relaxed, private space: Feeling calm and unhurried helps with let-down and milk flow. Warmth can also stimulate expression—consider a warm bath, warm compress, or flannel on your breasts.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Hygiene is key to keeping your colostrum milk safe for your baby.
- Gently massage your breasts: Use circular motions around the breasts to encourage milk movement and stimulate colostrum harvesting. This preps the ducts and makes expression more effective.
2. The Hand Expression Technique
Once you’re ready, follow these detailed steps for optimal expression:
- Form a “C” shape with your thumb and forefinger, positioning them 2–3 cm from the base of the nipple.
- Gently compress and release the breast tissue in a rolling motion. Avoid sliding your fingers along the skin or squeezing too hard, which can cause discomfort.
- Rotate your hand around the breast to cover all quadrants, ensuring you collect colostrum milk from each section.
- Aim for slow, rhythmic presses rather than rapid squeezing; even small drops are valuable.
3. Collecting the Drops
- Colostrum appears in tiny, concentrated drops rather than a stream. A colostrum syringe or collector is ideal to catch every bit.
- Position the syringe or colostrum collector like the Hegen PCTO™ 60ml/2oz Feeding Bottle PPSU directly under the nipple.
- Continue alternating breasts and hand positions to maximise collection.
Remember, even small amounts matter: these drops of colostrum are packed with antibodies, nutrients, and immune-boosting properties essential for your newborn’s health and digestion.
How Much Colostrum Can You Express
Many new mothers wonder how much colostrum can be expressed, and the truth is that it varies from person to person. It’s completely normal to see only a few drops during antenatal harvesting, as colostrum is produced in very small amounts before birth. After delivery, most women collect only a few millilitres across the first 24–48 hours, which is still more than enough for a newborn’s tiny stomach. By day three to five, the volume naturally increases as colostrum transitions into mature milk, supporting your baby’s growing needs.
How to Store Colostrum Safely
Safe storage ensures that your baby benefits from every drop you’ve collected. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Always label your colostrum syringe or container with your name, date, and time.
- Store freshly expressed colostrum in the fridge for up to 24 hours before freezing.
- At 4°C or below, it can last up to 8 days in the fridge.
- In the freezer (-18°C or below), colostrum can be kept for up to 6 months.
- When transporting to the hospital, use a cool bag with ice packs—colostrum will stay safe for up to 24 hours.
Hegen’s milk storage bottles can make this process easier and more reliable for parents preparing ahead of time.
A Gentle Start to Your Baby’s Feeding Journey
Every drop of colostrum milk is a gift to your newborn, whether you’re collecting just a few drops or a teaspoon at a time. The amount you collect is not a reflection of your future milk supply, so there’s no need to worry or compare.
If you ever feel discomfort or notice contractions while expressing, stop and seek advice from your healthcare provider. Above all, be gentle with yourself—this is the start of your breastfeeding journey, not a measure of success.
At Hegen, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from colostrum harvesting to long-term feeding solutions. Our thoughtfully designed baby bottles and accessories are built to make feeding easier, while our breast milk pump and resources on how to increase breast milk supply provide added reassurance for mothers as their journey evolves. Explore our collection to find the tools that make nourishing your little one smoother and more empowering.
