What in the world is 'Antenatal Colostrum Expressing'?

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is your baby’s very first immunisation given by your breasts. According to the WHO 2009 it is jam-packed with antibodies, antioxidants and it is important in helping build a strong immune system for your baby. Colostrum is the first form of breast milk your baby will drink. It is a thick, sticky, yellowish liquid, high in calories and low in quantity. Your baby only needs a few millilitres per feed in the first few days of life. Remember that any amount of colostrum will be exceptionally beneficial to your baby. 

Colostrum production starts in the breast from around 20 weeks gestation and until a few days after birth. You only have a limited time to express this amazing liquid gold your breasts produce. However most doctors and lactation consultants suggest waiting till around 36/37 weeks gestation before you start with expressing colostrum. 

 Why express colostrum?

• It will give you a sense of security knowing that you have a back up of colostrum should your baby need it in a hurry. 
• Sometimes babies or mothers need special care which means that they aren’t together, and in this instance the colostrum expressed prior to birth can be given to your baby instead of formula.
• If you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes the expressed colostrum will be invaluable to give to your baby – with your doctors approval.
• Expressing colostrum may help increase your chances of exclusive breastfeeding after birth. 
• If your baby struggles to get a deep latch at birth, you, your spouse or a family member can cup feed or syringe feed or top up your little one with your own expressed colostrum.
• You can start your colostrum-expressing journey from around 36 weeks gestation, but only with the approval of your midwife, doctor or lactation consultant. 

We have an amazing Colostrum Expressing Kit available at Made To Lactate. It comes with a bunch of various size syringes, an instruction card, and a stunning cooler storage bag embroidered with Made To Lactate’s logo. You can start with a 1ml syringe and build up to 10ml, as you get closer to birth and as your colostrum level increases.

Everyone produces varying amounts; it all depends on your body. It is absolutely normal to express only 0.1 ml of colostrum in the beginning. Don’t give up; you will get the hang of it. 

Freeze each of the syringes with the labels provided so that you can take them to the hospital in case your baby needs a little extra colostrum. This is what occurred in my case as I had gestational diabetes and my sons sugar levels dropped! My son needed extra colostrum within the first couple of hours after birth and fortunately I had a syringe of colostrum available.

Now of course it’s important to note, there are some moms-to-be that need to avoid antenatal colostrum expressing. Those at risk of premature labour, those who have concerns with a short cervix or those with issues with their placenta or bleeding during your pregnancy, should avoid expressing. If one of these conditions apply to you, it is extremely important to seek medical approval from your Obstetrician, Midwife or Lactation Consultant, if you really want to express colostrum. In fact, every pregnant mom should speak to her health provider before beginning the colostrum-expressing journey.

Check out my References: 

• WHO (World Health Organization). 2001. The Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding: Report of an Expert Consultation. Geneva: World Health Organization.
• WHO (World Health Organization). 2009. Infant and young child feeding: Model chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals. Geneva: World Health Organization.
•  Johnsen M, Klingenberg C, Brand M, Revhaug A, Andreassen G. 202