Information for Antenatal Expressing of Colostrum

Antenatal expressing is when we HAND EXPRESS colostrum from the 36th week of pregnancy and collect and store it.  It can be used to supplement the baby’s feeds after birth, soothe sore or damaged nipples, increase mothers confidence with breastfeeding and reduce the need for formula in the early days of baby’s life.

Always seek guidance from your health care professional before commencing any expressing at the end of your pregnancy.

DO NOT attend to antenatal expressing if you have the following

  • a history of, or are currently experiencing threatened premature labour
  • have a history of or are currently experiencing cervical incompetence or have a cervical suture in place
  • any complications with the placenta being too close to your cervix ie: placenta praevia

What is Colostrum and why is it so important?

  • Colostrum can be a sticky clear to a bright or dark yellow color ranging from a few drops to 1+mls when expressed
  • Colostrum is the fluid produced by the breasts from around the 20th week of pregnancy up until days 3-4 after the birth of your baby.
  • Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins and Lactoferrin = gives amazing Immune support
  • Colostrum is high in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals including salt to maintain hydration in your newborn
  • Colostrum is high calorie in small amounts making it easily digestible for your baby, ensuring expansion of the stomach occurs slowly.
  • It is a natural laxative for your baby ensuring the passing of the early meconium poos are passed easily and frequently which can reduce the occurrence of jaundice (yellow skin) in the newborn.
  • Colostrum helps to line the gut of your baby to ensure a good gut microbiome and reduce the occurrence of food sensitivities and poor gut health later in life

Antenatal expressing can be especially beneficial in the following situations;

  • Mothers who would like to learn the skill before the birth of their baby or are anxious about breastfeeding
  • Expecting twins or other multiple pregnancies
  • Diabetes before or during pregnancy
  • Diagnosed with a small or large baby
  • Have a possibility of birth occurring before the 37th week
  • Needing to recommence medications NOT recommended while breastfeeding
  • Have had a history of a low supply with a previous child
  • Diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Mothers who’ve undergone any breast surgery
  • Mothers who have had little to no changes in breast tissue during pregnancy
  • Any known medical complications of your baby where Nursery care is indicated

How to Hand Express

Either in the shower or somewhere comfortable and quiet to sit and place a warm washcloth on the breast.

  • Start by massaging the breast from Base to nipple for a minute or so
  • Place fingertips on either side of your areolar, your thumb at 12 o’clock, and your index finger at 6 o’clock at the edge of your areola
  • Fingers should be in a relaxed ‘C’ shape
  • Push the breast tissue back towards your rib cage
  • Gently squeeze your finger and thumb down towards each other
  • Continue in a rhythmic motion whilst maintaining pressure back towards your rib cage
  • Move your fingers around the areolar as you go- you’ll probably find a ‘sweet spot’ where a little more colostrum comes out
  • Once droplets are forming or a flow is established its time to collect (out of the shower so we’re not collecting water as well)
  • Use the expressing pack provided- if you are getting a drop at a time allow the drop to form and then collect it with a syringe. If you have more of a flow use the medicine cup provided (wash with warm soapy water between uses).
  • If nothing seems to be happening- don’t be disheartened it can take a few days to produce anything – you are still pregnant so we are not making milk, simply emptying any colostrum sitting in the breast which your body will slowly re-fill if emptied!
  • You can swap from breast to breast or do one breast for a few minutes at a time- it should not hurt and should not bruise.
  • 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times per day is plenty- or simply when you remember!
  • If it’s causing anxiety or stress just stop and contact me for any further advice or demonstration. At the end of the day, we are simply learning a new skill- it can take time.

If you’re wanting more information on expressing and breastfeeding, or would like to learn some basic easy to follow steps when you begin to breastfeed, book a ‘planning to breastfeed’ session to ensure a positive breastfeeding experience to achieve your breastfeeding goals- whatever they may be.