Another word for Colostrum is “liquid gold.” Colostrum is the nutrient-rich first milk produced by a mother’s breasts during pregnancy and immediately after birth. This thick, yellowish fluid is packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors crucial for a newborn’s health and development. Collecting colostrum can be incredibly beneficial for both the baby and the mother. Here’s a quick but detailed guide on why it’s important, and how to collect and store it safely.
Why Colostrum Matters
Immune Boost: Colostrum is loaded with immunoglobulins, particularly IgA, which help protect the baby from infections and build their immune system.
Digestive Health: It acts as a laxative, helping the baby pass their first stools (meconium) and easing the transition to regular feeding.
Nutritional Support: Colostrum provides a concentrated dose of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are easier for newborns to digest than mature milk.
Bonding and Comfort: Early feeding with colostrum fosters mother-baby bonding and provides comfort to the newborn. Low Supply at the beginning of nursing. Those first couple of days after baby comes can feel a little stressful. Trying to get baby to latch and worrying when your milk supply will come in. It can be nice to have a stash of colostrum on hand so you can provide baby with it while trying to figure out breastfeeding.
When to Collect Colostrum
Timing – During Pregnancy: It’s generally safe to start expressing colostrum around 36 weeks of pregnancy. Check with your healthcare provider before starting this process.
After Birth: Immediately after birth, you can begin to express and feed colostrum to your baby or store it for later use.
How to Collect Colostrum
Manual Expression: Use clean hands and a sterile container. This method is gentle and doesn’t require special tools.
1. Take your hand in the shape of a C. Place your thumb above your nipple and your fingers below it.
2. Press and compress- Press your fingers and thumb back toward your chest, then gently squeeze them together then release. Back, squeeze, release, repeat!
3. Switch breasts once the milk stops flowing from one breast, move on to the other.
Breast Pump: A breast pump can help too! Ensure all equipment is sterilized. Make sure to consult with your care provider about using a pump to collect colostrum while pregnant. Here are my recommendations for a pump
- Mom Cozy – Hands free breast pump
- Spectra – Hospital grade pump
- Haakka – Silicone Hand pump (its a must)
Colostrum collector: You can collect it with a syringe or you can use these colostrum collectors I am a HUGE fan of these!
Storage:
Container: Use sterile, BPA-free containers or breast milk storage bags OR keep them in the colostrum collectors Refrigeration: Store colostrum in the refrigerator (up to 4 days) or freeze it (for up to 6 months). Label each container with the date and time of expression.
Thawing: Thaw frozen colostrum in the refrigerator or under cool running water. Never use a microwave.
Safety Tips
Hygiene: Always wash your hands before expressing or handling colostrum. Ensure all equipment is clean and sterilized.
Comfort: Express colostrum in a comfortable, relaxed environment to avoid stress, which can impact milk flow.
Make Sure You
Regularly check with your healthcare provider to ensure the colostrum collection process aligns with your specific health needs and circumstances.Collecting colostrum is a proactive step in ensuring your baby receives the best start in life. By understanding its importance and following safe collection practices, you can provide your newborn with a strong foundation for health and development. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor the process to your unique situation and ensure the best outcomes for both you and your baby.
Leave a comment if you have any questions! Hope this post helped!! Head to my other posts to learn more!