Colostrum Harvesting: Pros & Cons
They don't call colostrum "liquid gold" for nothing!
It's like a super-powered milkshake for your baby, loaded with all the good stuff like nutrients and antibodies to give them a head start. This thick, gooey milk is the first kind you produce and you start making it during pregnancy.
Colostrum is chock-full of probiotics and helps your baby's immune system get off the ground. You may not make a ton of it, but trust us - a little goes a long way.
Because colostrum is such a wonder milk, many moms-to-be can't wait to get their hands on it.
Many learn how to harvest it by hand-expressing it before baby arrives.
Once collected, it can be labeled, frozen, and saved for when the baby is ready to drink it.
Disclaimer: You should wait until you’re at least 37 weeks pregnant to try harvesting colostrum and you should get your doctor’s approval before you begin.
PRO-TIP: Collect your colostrum with a 1ml syringe, label it, and freeze your syringes for baby’s arrival.
Get a 100-pack of syringes from Amazon!
(this post may contain affiliate links)
Colostrum Harvesting Pros:
If your little munchkin struggles with latching, don't fret - colostrum's got your back! Collecting and freezing colostrum can be a lifesaver if breastfeeding doesn't go well initially.
Giving your baby some of that sweet, sweet colostrum right after they pop out into the world is like giving them a power-up. It's like a shot of espresso for babies - it boosts their energy and gets those blood sugar levels rising.
For women with gestational diabetes, ensuring their baby's blood glucose levels stay healthy can be a challenge. But having a stash of colostrum can be a game-changer. It's like having a little backup plan in your pocket - something that can provide your baby with the energy and nourishment they need, even if they require frequent feeds.
Harvesting this liquid gold is like hitting the "on" switch for your milk ducts - it gets things moving and grooving.
It’ll help you master the art of hand expressing. It’s a total game-changer in your breastfeeding journey. Once you've got it down, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
When it comes to getting your baby to latch, colostrum can be your secret weapon. It's like a magnet for your little one's mouth - irresistible and oh-so-helpful. So if you're having trouble getting your baby to take the boob, bust out a few drops of the liquid gold on your nipple and watch the magic happen.
Sometimes life throws a curveball, and you might find yourself in a situation where long-term breastfeeding just isn't in the cards. But fear not, mama - if you've got a stash of colostrum, you can still give your baby a leg up in the immunity department. Think of it like a short-term immunity booster shot, minus the needle.
Did you know that colostrum is like a superhero for your baby's bowels? That's right, this magical milk is a natural laxative that can help your little one kick that tar-like meconium to the curb and get things moving. And here's a bonus - by clearing out their system, colostrum can even help reduce the risk of jaundice.
Harvesting colostrum is particularly helpful in certain situations if you:
Are aware in advance that you will be separated from baby after birth
Suspect your baby may start out in the NICU
Have a twin or triplet pregnancy with a stable lie
Know baby will be born with a cleft lip or palate
Know your baby has Down Syndrome, intrauterine growth restriction, cardiac complications
Developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
Are diabetic or developed diabetes during pregnancy
Have a hormonal disorder (e.g. PCOS, hypothyroidism);
Have breast hypoplasia (a condition in which the breast doesn’t fully develop)
Had prior breast surgery
Have high blood pressure
Have a BMI over 37
Are going to have a planned C-Section or planned induction
Had a previously unsatisfactory breastfeeding journey
Have a history of low milk supply
PRO-TIP:
Collect your colostrum with a 1ml syringe, label it, and freeze your syringes for baby’s arrival.
Get a 100-pack of syringes from Amazon!
Colostrum Harvesting Cons:
Stimulating your breasts can trigger the release of oxytocin, the same hormone that brings on contractions and may even induce labor. if you've had a history of premature labor, your healthcare provider may advise against colostrum harvesting to avoid an unexpected early arrival. Follow your provider's guidance for a smooth sailing pregnancy.
It can be disheartening when you don't see much colostrum coming out before giving birth, or when you find yourself struggling to collect any at all. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee on how much you'll be able to harvest, but don't give up hope - every drop counts!
Disclaimer: If you experience any uterine contractions during expressing, you should stop.
You’ll likely be advised NOT to harvest colostrum if you:
H a cervical suture (stitches) in place
Experienced premature labour in the past
Had contractions, vaginal bleeding and/or premature rupture of membranes (your waters breaking early) during this pregnancy
Have a placenta that’s covering your cervix
Have a twin or triplet pregnancy with unstable lie
Are earlier than 36 weeks pregnant
PRO-TIP:
You can bring a few syringes into the hospital with you when you deliver. More can always be brought in later if needed. Tell your healthcare provider that you have colostrum with you when you arrive.
Related articles: How To Hand Express Colostrum
17 Genius Colostrum Harvesting Tricks
Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products
🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfortable and made of the softest material ever. You’ll want to wear it forever to sleep in, even after you’re done breastfeeding.
💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Milk Dust is protein powder made just for breastfeeding moms. It nourishes and tones postpartum bodies (and contains milk boosting ingredients too!) Get 10% off Milk Dust using the code MILKOLOGY at checkout
🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.