Jordan Ellis
Colostrum is the first milk produced by women from around the 20th week of pregnancy, and is the perfect source of nutrition for newborns. It contains antibodies that protect babies from infection and help their immune systems develop. Expressing colostrum before giving birth can be useful in case the baby needs supplementation, and it can also help mothers feel more confident about breastfeeding. However, it is important to check with a healthcare provider before starting antenatal hand expression, as there may be risks involved. If it is safe to proceed, women can begin collecting colostrum from 36 to 38 weeks into their pregnancy. This involves using a syringe to collect the milk, which can then be stored in a refrigerator or freezer. When bringing colostrum to the hospital, it should be transported in a cool bag with ice blocks and given to the maternity team for storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is colostrum? | Colostrum is the first milk women produce from their 20th week of pregnancy. |
| Why is colostrum good for the baby? | Colostrum, also known as "liquid gold", is full of immunoglobulins that provide the initial framework for the baby's immune system. It also helps the baby's digestive system to develop, protecting the baby from allergies. |
| When to start collecting colostrum? | It is recommended to start collecting colostrum from 36 or 37 weeks into pregnancy. |
| How to collect colostrum? | To collect colostrum, one needs a clean, sterilized syringe and a clean, sterilized larger container. The process of collecting colostrum is called hand expression and involves gently massaging the breasts and using the hands to express the colostrum into the container or syringe. |
| How to store colostrum? | Colostrum can be stored in the back of a fridge for up to 5 days, in the ice compartment of a fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in a deep freezer for up to 6 months. |
| How to transport colostrum to the hospital? | Colostrum should be transported to the hospital in a sealed, clear bag with the mother's name, address, and date of birth. Frozen colostrum should be transported in an insulated bag with an ice pack. |
| How much colostrum to bring to the hospital? | It is recommended to bring only a couple of syringes of colostrum to the hospital initially, to avoid wasting any milk that defrosts before it is needed. |
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What You'll Learn
Why collect colostrum antenatally?
Colostrum is the first form of breast milk that is released by the mammary glands after giving birth. It is nutrient-dense and rich in antibodies and antioxidants, which help build a newborn baby's immune system. It is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its rich, golden colour and valuable benefits.
There are several reasons why collecting colostrum antenatally may be recommended. Firstly, it can be helpful if there are pregnancy-related conditions that increase the risk of premature labour. In such cases, it is important to discuss with a healthcare provider before expressing colostrum, as it may not be safe for the pregnancy. For instance, if there is a history of preterm labour prior to 37 weeks of gestation, a shortened cervix, or a low-lying placenta, antenatal hand expression of colostrum may not be advised.
Secondly, collecting colostrum antenatally can be beneficial if the mother has diabetes during pregnancy, as the baby is at risk of low blood sugar after birth. Providing extra colostrum can help stabilise the baby's blood sugar levels. Additionally, if the baby is diagnosed with conditions such as a cleft lip and/or palate, or a neurological or cardiac condition, collecting colostrum beforehand ensures it is readily available for the baby's feeding needs.
Lastly, collecting colostrum antenatally can be advantageous if the mother prefers to avoid formula feeding. In some cases, circumstances may arise that put the baby at risk of needing supplementation, and having expressed colostrum can help bridge this gap. It is important to note that colostrum is typically produced in small amounts, and it may take practice to effectively express and collect it.
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How to collect colostrum
Colostrum is the first milk produced by women from around the 20th week of pregnancy. It is a rich source of nutrition for newborns, containing antibodies and immune-boosting properties. It is beneficial to collect and store colostrum antenatally to ensure your baby receives adequate nutrition and immune support after birth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to collect colostrum:
- Consult with your healthcare provider: Before starting the process of antenatal hand expression, it is essential to consult your doctor or midwife to ensure it is safe for your pregnancy. They will advise you based on your medical history and gestation stage.
- Prepare the necessary items: You will need clean and sterilized equipment, including syringes, a larger container, and freezable labels. Medicine cups or a clean spoon can also be used to collect the colostrum before transferring it to the syringe.
- Create a relaxing environment: Warmth can help with the expression of colostrum. Consider expressing after a warm shower or bath, ensuring you are comfortable and relaxed.
- Massage your breasts: Sit up straight, leaning slightly forward. Massage your breasts from the base to the nipple to stimulate the release of colostrum.
- Hand expression technique: Gently press your pointer finger and thumb towards your chest wall, pressing together and holding for a few seconds. Avoid touching or squeezing your nipple. Think of the motion as "press, hold, release, repeat."
- Collect the colostrum: As the colostrum appears at the end of your nipple, collect it into a syringe. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results, as it may take time and practice.
- Transfer to a larger container: If needed, transfer the colostrum from the syringe to a larger sterilized container. Label the container with the date and time of collection.
- Store and freeze: Label the collected colostrum with the date and your name. Store it in your freezer, ensuring it is ready to be given to your baby if needed after birth.
Remember, every drop counts, and the amount collected will increase with practice. Always discuss the process with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations.
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Storing colostrum
If you plan to store colostrum, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your pregnancy. Once you have approval, you can begin the process of expressing and storing. Colostrum can be hand-expressed or pumped, and it is important to ensure your hands and equipment are clean to avoid any bacteria. You can express into a clean medicine cup, spoon, syringe, or a storage bottle. Always label the container with the date and time, and seal it tightly.
When storing, colostrum can be kept at room temperature for up to four hours. It can be refrigerated for two to four days and then must be moved to a freezer. In a freezer, colostrum can be stored for six to twelve months, with the shorter timeframe ensuring the best quality. It is recommended to store it at the back of the shelf, where it is coolest, and not in the door compartment, as frequent temperature changes can impact its quality.
If you are bringing stored colostrum to the hospital, pack it in an insulated bag with ice packs. It can remain safe for consumption this way for 24 to 48 hours.
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Transporting colostrum to the hospital
Colostrum is the first milk women produce from around the 20th week of pregnancy. It is the perfect source of nutrition for a newborn baby, as it contains antibodies that protect the baby from infection and help their immune system to develop. It is recommended to bring colostrum to the hospital, so it can be provided to the baby right after birth.
To transport colostrum to the hospital, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of the milk. Here are some steps to prepare and transport colostrum:
- Collection and Storage: Before collecting colostrum, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your pregnancy. Start collecting colostrum from around 36 to 38 weeks of pregnancy. Use a clean medicine cup, spoon, or a sterilized syringe to collect the colostrum. Label the container with your name, date, and time of collection. Store the colostrum in the back of the fridge for up to 5 days or in a deep freezer for up to 6 months.
- Transportation: When transporting frozen colostrum to the hospital, place it in a sealed, clear bag with your name, address, and date of birth. Use an insulated bag with ice packs to keep the colostrum frozen during transportation. Inform the maternity team upon arrival at the hospital so they can properly store it in their freezer.
- Communication: Let the midwives or healthcare team know that you have brought colostrum to the hospital. They will advise and support you on how and when to use the colostrum for your baby.
- Amount and Storage at Hospital: Bring only a couple of syringes of colostrum initially to the hospital to avoid wasting any milk that defrosts before it is needed. The rest can be brought to the hospital as and when required. The midwives will store the colostrum in the hospital fridge or freezer and will ensure to check the labels before use.
By following these steps, you can safely transport colostrum to the hospital and ensure that your baby receives the beneficial nutrients and antibodies present in colostrum right after birth.
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When to bring colostrum to the hospital
Colostrum is the first milk women produce from around the 20th week of pregnancy. It is the ideal first food for a newborn baby, as it is rich in immunoglobulins that provide the initial framework for the baby's immune system. It also helps the baby's digestive system to develop, protecting them from allergies, and encourages them to open their bowels and pass meconium, reducing the risk of jaundice.
You can start collecting colostrum from 36 weeks into your pregnancy, and it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before starting. It is important to feel comfortable, calm, and relaxed before you begin expressing colostrum, as this will help you to express it more easily. Warmth can also help, so you may want to try expressing in the shower or bath. You can collect colostrum by hand or with a syringe. If using a syringe, ensure it is clean and sterilized, and collect the colostrum into the syringe as it appears at the end of your nipple.
When bringing colostrum to the hospital, ensure your syringes or containers are together in one sealed, clear bag with your name, address, and date of birth. Transport frozen colostrum in an insulated bag with an ice pack. Inform the maternity team immediately on arrival so they can put it into the freezer. If you are being induced, wait to have your colostrum brought in when your labour is established, so that none goes to waste.
If you are unable to collect your colostrum before giving birth, you can bring it to the hospital when you go into labour. However, if you are sent home, the colostrum may defrost, and it will not be safe to freeze it again.
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Frequently asked questions
Colostrum is the first milk women produce from around the 20th week of pregnancy. It is the ideal first food for a baby as it contains antibodies that protect the baby from infection and help their immune system to develop.
It is recommended to bring a few syringes of colostrum to the hospital. If you are being induced, wait to have your colostrum brought in when your labour is established to ensure none goes to waste.
You can start collecting colostrum from 36 weeks pregnant. To collect colostrum, you will need a clean, sterilised syringe and a clean, sterilised larger container. Make sure to wash your hands before you start. Try expressing in the shower or bath first as warmth will help.
It is recommended to bring 10ml of colostrum to the hospital. You can always send someone back home to get more if needed.
