Colostrum storage during Pregnancy

Colostrum storage

Embarking on the journey of colostrum harvesting, the process of expressing the golden breastmilk produced in the early days after birth, can be a proactive step in building a reserve for your baby's potential needs. However, it's important to remember that antenatal expression of milk serves as supplementary nutrition for the newborn during the initial days. The establishment of successful breastfeeding still hinges on nurturing a proper latch and feeding your baby on demand.

WHEN TO START?

It is generally recommended not to commence expressing milk before the 37th week of pregnancy. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician if you seek medical guidance in this regard.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IT?

Any expectant mother can explore the option of antenatal milk expression. The volume expressed, especially for first-time mothers, does not necessarily correlate with the success of future breastfeeding endeavors. However, mothers who anticipate a higher likelihood of their newborn experiencing low blood sugar shortly after birth may find colostrum harvesting particularly beneficial. By having a supply of colostrum on hand, these mothers can offer their babies this vital nutrition via syringe, potentially circumventing the need for formula supplementation.

Mothers who may find colostrum harvesting advantageous include those with:

Diabetes in pregnancy (pre-existing or gestational).
Infants diagnosed prenatally with cleft lip and/or palate or congenital conditions.
Scheduled for elective cesarean section.
Infants with intrauterine growth restriction.
Breast hypoplasia or history of breast surgery.
Multiple sclerosis.
Family history of dairy intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease.
High blood pressure or taking beta blockers (e.g., labetalol).

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT?

Those with a history of threatened or actual premature labor, cervical incompetence, multiple pregnancies (due to the risk of preterm labor), or cervical stitches should refrain from colostrum expression.

WHY EXPRESS COLOSTRUM?

Expressing colostrum beforehand can be advantageous if there's a need for supplemental feeding after birth. By preparing in advance, mothers can offer their babies expressed breast milk instead of formula if necessary.

HOW TO DO IT?

Manual expression using hands is recommended due to the thick consistency of colostrum, which may not flow efficiently through a pump. Here's how to do it:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Cup your breast with your hand, locating the area behind the nipple where the texture feels different.
Gently squeeze this area with your thumb and index finger in a rhythmic motion.
Collect the expressed colostrum in a sterilized cup or bottle.
Transfer the collected colostrum into a syringe for storage.
Repeat the process on the other breast.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Aim to express twice a day, in the morning and evening, without feeling pressured.
Use the same syringe for one day, storing expressed colostrum in the fridge between sessions, and transferring it to a milk storage bag labeled with the date before freezing.
Inform your labor ward about your plan to bring expressed colostrum so they can store it during your stay, or bring a cooler with ice for storage.
For many mothers who have faced challenges in breastfeeding, antenatal expression of milk can provide a sense of empowerment and control over their breastfeeding journey.

In conclusion, by understanding the process and benefits of colostrum harvesting, expectant mothers can make informed decisions to support their breastfeeding goals and provide the best start for their newborns.

Here is a link to get your colostrum storage kit.