Here is what mums asked our midwives this week: Colostrum Harvesting

Colostrum harvesting is one of those topics that comes up again and again as mums get closer to their due date. Mums want to know if they should do it, when to start, and how to do it safely. So we asked our midwives to break it down properly.

"When can I start colostrum harvesting?"

It is advised to start collecting colostrum after 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is because stimulating the nipples before this point can cause contractions, which is why it is important to wait until your baby is considered full term before you begin. If you have any pregnancy complications, a low-lying placenta, or have been advised by your midwife or doctor to avoid nipple stimulation, always check with your care team before starting.

What is colostrum and why does it matter?

Colostrum is the first milk your body produces and it is incredibly powerful. It is thick, golden in colour, and packed with antibodies, protein and nutrients that are perfectly designed for your newborn. Even just a few millilitres is enough to make a real difference to your baby in those first hours after birth.

Harvesting colostrum in advance means you have it ready if your baby needs a little extra support after delivery, particularly useful if you are planning a caesarean section, if your baby has a condition that may affect feeding, or if you simply want to feel prepared going into birth.

How do you harvest colostrum?

Colostrum harvesting is done by hand expressing. You do not need a pump for this,in fact hand expressing is usually more effective in the early stages.

Here is how to get started:

Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin. Sit comfortably and gently massage your breast in circular movements toward the nipple. Place your fingers and thumb around the edge of the areola and gently compress and release in a rhythmic motion. You may only get a few drops at first and that is completely normal. Collect the colostrum in a sterile syringe or small container, then store it in a clearly labelled bag in the freezer.

Most mums express for around five to ten minutes per breast, once or twice a day from 37 weeks onward.

What do you do with it?

Once you have collected and frozen your colostrum, bring it to the hospital or birth centre with you in a small cool bag. If your baby needs a top up in those first hours or your feeding gets off to a slow start, your midwife can help you use it. It can be given to your baby via a small syringe.

A note on storage

Colostrum can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Make sure each syringe or container is clearly labelled with the date and your name if you are going into hospital. The Breastfeeding Network has a detailed guide on expressing and storing breast milk which is well worth reading alongside your midwife's advice.

Got a question of your own?

Every week our midwives answer the questions mums are actually asking.Got a question of your own? Our midwives are available right inside the Dearbump app, ready to answer it directly.