This information leaflet explains how to hand express colostrum while

you are pregnant and the benefits for your baby. If you have any

questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to your midwife

or infant feeding team.

Antenatal colostrum

harvesting

www.kch.nhs.uk

Confirming your identity

Before you have a treatment or procedure, our staff will ask you your

It is the first milk you produce, usually from about 16 weeks of

pregnancy. Colostrum may leak from your breasts during pregnancy.

Colostrum is perfectly balanced for all your baby’s needs. It contains

antibodies to protect your baby from infections and hormones to

help gut growth and kick start their immune system. It also helps

them pass their first dark poo (meconium) which can reduce the risk

of jaundice.

What is antenatal colostrum harvesting?

It is the expressing and collection of your first milk – colostrum –

during pregnancy and helps get breastfeeding off to a good start. If

information in this leaflet prior to commencing. If while expressing

you have any painful contractions, you should stop expressing and

call your midwife or the Maternity Telephone Assessment Line for

advice.

Denmark Hill Telephone Assessment Line: 020 3299 8389

Princess Royal University Hospital Assessment Line: 01689 864189

my baby?

Learning how to express milk while you are pregnant helps you

to get to know your breasts and how they work, giving you extra

confidence to start breastfeeding. It is useful if you are unable to

tissue)

• have multiple sclerosis

• are having a planned (elective) caesarean section

• have a history of breast surgery

• have taken certain medications during pregnancy for high blood

pressure. Your doctor or midwife will advise if this applies to you.

• have had problems with breastfeeding after previous births

• have a strong family history of dairy intolerance

• have a strong family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• are having more than one baby

• they have been diagnosed with fetal cleft palate/lip

• they are going to have a planned admission to the neonatal ward

after birth

• they have any congenital conditions.

colostrum before birth?

Do not express colostrum while pregnant if you:

• have a history of threatened and/or actual premature labour

• have a cervical suture (stitch) in place

contact the Drugs in Breastmilk information service through its

Facebook page – BfNDrugsinBreastmilkinformation – or email

• have placenta praevia, accreta, percreta, placental site unknown in

absence of USS, vasa praevia and/or low-lying placenta.

There may be other reasons why you should not express colostrum

before you have had your baby, so please discuss this with your

midwife and obstetrician.

Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a clean

goes and it’s normal to see a small amount.

1. Gently massage your breast from the outer

parts towards your nipple in all directions (for

about two minutes). Then roll or tweak your

nipple (for about one minute). This stimulates

oxytocin which is your milk release hormone.

2. Position your thumb and your fingers in

a ‘C’ shape. Start at the end of your nipple

and feel back to where there is a texture

change, usually about 2 – 3cm from your

colostrum. Collect your colostrum in a sterile

syringe.

4. When the flow slows down or stops,

change the position of the ‘C’ shape so that

you move around your breast. You can move

to your other breast and repeat.

5. When you have finished, label your colostrum with your full

name, hospital number, date of birth and the date and time you

expressed it. Then store it following the guidelines in the ‘Safe

remember to do what feels comfortable for you.

This table shows the recommended maximum safe storage times for

your colostrum whilst you are at home. In hospital these times will

change. Do not forget to note on the container the date and time

you express the milk.

Storing your milk at home

Milk can also be frozen in the ice compartment but only for 2 weeks

(Off to the Best Start, 2015).

Milk stored at home should be kept away from meat products, eggs

What is the best way of bringing my colostrum into

hospital with me?

When you transport your colostrum into hospital put your colostrum

into an insulated cool bag and fill the space with ice packs, this will

when needed so it does not exceed the recommended storage

times. When you get to hospital, let your midwife know you have

brought your first milk with you and they will put it in the fridge

or freezer. You need to make sure it is labelled with your name,

Defrosted Use straight away.

The Breastfeeding Network, 2019

hospital number, date of birth and time and date expressed. After

your baby is born, the midwife will show you how to safely give

your first milk to your baby.

Storing your milk in hospital

The storage times are different in hospital from at home so please

speak to your midwife.

Using your colostrum

When you are ready to use your colostrum the midwife will show

you where it is, how to defrost and how to safely give it to your

baby. Please check the label for your name, hospital number and

date of birth to ensure it is your milk.

is not reflective of what you may find in the antenatal period. It is

normal to see small amounts or can be none at all.

More information

your baby visit www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk www.laleche.org.uk

PALS

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a service that offers

support, information and assistance to patients, relatives and visitors.

They can also provide help and advice if you have a concern or