17 Genius Colostrum Harvesting Tips
As your pregnancy nears its end, something magical starts happening in your breasts. They start producing a special fluid called colostrum from your 2nd trimester onward.
It’s yellowish in color and some people even call it "liquid gold" because it's super potent and filled with special nutrients!
Colostrum isn't just any ordinary milk. It's packed with amazing stuff that helps protect your baby. It has special powers to boost their immune system and fill their tummy with good bacteria.
Now here's the really interesting part: since your body starts making colostrum before the baby is born, it can actually be helpful if you collect it before the big day. You can freeze it so it's ready to go when your little one arrives!
And guess what? Research shows that moms who collect colostrum during pregnancy are more confident and better prepared to breastfeed their babies.
So, collecting colostrum before birth is like having a secret superpower that helps you and your baby get off to a great start!
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Things you’ll need to harvest your colostrum:
This colostrum harvesting kit has everything you need to start collecting colostrum!
Disclaimer: If you’re thinking about harvesting your colostrum, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider beforehand.
Once your baby is born, breastfeeding is usually the best way to go. The colostrum you collect beforehand may NOT be needed if breastfeeding gets off to a great start. Having a bit of harvested colostrum simply gives you a backup plan in case things don't go as expected, which can be really comforting.
17 Colostrum Harvesting Tips
As a general rule of thumb, it's wise to hold off on kickstarting the colostrum extraction until the 37th week of pregnancy rolls around. This is because hand expression has been associated with an increased risk for starting labor.
Those breast pumps? Well, they're just not cut out for the job for collecting colostrum! You see, colostrum is a sticky, gooey liquid. It's so thick that it would totally cling to every nook and cranny of the pump, making it impossible to collect. So, here's the secret trick: trust your own superpower—your hands! They're the perfect tools to gently squeeze out that amazing colostrum. Just roll up your sleeves and give it a go!
The video below shows an excellent demonstration on how to hand express colostrum:
After a few attempts of hand expression, you might start to see colostrum gather at the nipple end, which you can collect in your plastic syringe.
To help colostrum flow more freely, you can apply some heat! Treat your breasts to a warm compress, add a heating pad to your breasts, or indulge in a pre-bath or shower before you hand express.
Make yourself cozy and settle into a comfy spot. A key ingredient to maximizing colostrum and milk expression is to be as comfortable as possible.
Imagine your fingers and thumb playing a game of "ring-around-the-areola" like a clock's hands. Keep rotating them around and around, just like the ticking seconds. This nifty trick helps stimulate and collect colostrum from different areas of your breast.
Once the flow stops, it's time for a quick switcheroo to the other side. Try to express each breast twice during each session.
Doing a round of expression twice a day works best - once in the morning and once at night. But, no pressure! Do it as often as you’d like once you get the clear from your doc.
Collect the colostrum in either a sterile syringe or a squeaky clean container.
To avoid waste it’s best to store amounts of 1 to 2 milliliters.
Time to freeze your liquid gold! Here's how to do it: put the syringe in a special zip-top bag that's all clean and germ-free. Make sure to write down the date you collected the colostrum on the bag, so you won't forget. Then, pop the bag into the freezer, where it'll stay nice and chilly should baby need it after they’re born
Remember to mention your colostrum before bringing it to your hospital or birth center.They'll likely have a fancy freezer waiting to chill it out. Also, make sure you keep it cool in a cooler with ice during the journey and label it with your name.
Once you thaw the colostrum, it needs to be used within 24 hours.
For storage of colostrum: Up to 6 months if kept in a freezer -18°C or under // Up to 8 days if kept in a fridge 4°C or under // Up to 24 hours if kept in a cool bag with ice packs (when transporting to hospital)
The colostrum can be defrosted at room temperature or by running it under a warm tap.
If you're gathering up tiny droplets of that liquid gold, here's a pro tip: you can keep using the same syringe for a whole day, up to 24 hours, before freezing. Just remember to give it a cozy spot in the fridge between each collection.
Don't worry if you can't get out a lot of colostrum, especially if it's your first baby. It doesn't determine if you'll succeed in breastfeeding. It may take a few days of practice before any drops of colostrum appear. Each expressing session can vary from a couple drops to a teaspoon. Don't compare yourself to others and remember that every drop matters!
Don’t forget to grab your colostrum harvesting kit before you go!
How to make harvesting colostrum easier
You know what's a game-changer for harvesting colostrum? Heating pads! Seriously, they're like a warm hug for your breasts. Before you start, pop one of those bad boys on for a few minutes. It'll help get the milk flowing and make things a whole lot smoother. Trust me, your girls will thank you for the extra warmth!
How Can I Encourage More Colostrum To Come?
Alright, here's a golden tip to coax that colostrum out like a pro: massage those puppies! Yep, gentle breast massage can work wonders. Start from the outer edges and slowly work your way towards the nipple. It's like giving your breasts a little pep talk, telling them it's time to shine. Plus, it feels pretty darn good too! So, get those hands moving and watch the liquid gold flow.
Is Colostrum Harvesting Difficult?
You might be wondering if harvesting colostrum is a real pain in the you-know-what, but here's the scoop: one trick that can make it a breeze is staying relaxed. Seriously, stress can be the ultimate buzzkill when it comes to milk flow. So, find a cozy spot, take a deep breath, maybe even treat yourself to a little zen moment. Your body responds better when you're chill, making the whole process way smoother.
What NOT To Do When Collecting Colostrum?
Don’t freak out if you aren’t able to collect much. It might take awhile for your body to get the memo and to get used to the process. Be patient and kind to yourself. Also… don't go all out squeezing your breasts like they’re a stress ball! Seriously, gentle pressure is the name of the game here. Your breasts aren't oranges, so resist the urge to give them a hardcore squeeze. Too much pressure can actually do more harm than good, and nobody wants sore boobs, right? So, keep it gentle and let the liquid gold flow at its own pace.
How Much Colostrum Should I Aim To Harvest?
Remember, colostrum is super concentrated with nutrients, so even a little goes a long way. Remember, every drop counts, and your efforts are gold for your baby. So, start small, gauge how you feel, and go from there. Your body knows best!
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