Colostrum harvesting in pregnancy is still uncommon, but it can be very useful in specific maternal or fetal situations. Usually started from week 37 after talking with a professional, it is done by hand expression, and the colostrum can later be given to the baby by mom or dad.
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Antenatal colostrum harvesting is still an uncommon practice that is rarely offered, but in some situations it can be truly valuable.
Colostrum is the โfirst milk,โ produced from around the 16th week of pregnancy and present until the first 3-4 days after birth. Itโs a thick, yellow-orange liquid, secreted in small amounts but extremely rich in beneficial properties.
Why is it so important?
โข it has a laxative effect (it helps the baby pass meconium)
โข it helps stabilize the newbornโs blood sugar
โข it protects the gut by reducing the adhesion of pathogens
โข it reduces intestinal permeability
โข it is rich in immunoglobulins, which are essential for the immune system
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When can it be useful to harvest it during pregnancy?
There are situations where having a small supply of colostrum can make a difference, especially if breastfeeding doesnโt get off to an immediate or effective start.
It is especially recommended in cases of:
โข gestational or pre-existing diabetes
โข newborns at risk of hypoglycemia
โข babies who are large for gestational age (LGA) or macrosomic
โข babies who are small for gestational age (SGA)
โข post-term babies
โข multiple pregnancy
โข previous breastfeeding difficulties
โข maternal conditions (hormonal, medical, or surgical) that can affect milk supply
โข fetal conditions diagnosed during pregnancy (e.g., heart defects, cleft lip and palate, growth restriction)
In these cases, if the baby canโt latch right away, the harvested colostrum can be given to the baby, avoiding the early introduction of other foods.
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When to start?
Itโs generally recommended to start from the 37th week of pregnancy, always after assessing the situation with a health care professional.
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How is it stored?
It is collected in:
โข sterile 1, 2, or 5 ml syringes (with caps)
or
โข special colostrum containers
It should be stored:
โข in the freezer
โข inside a dedicated bag or container
Each syringe must be labeled with:
โข date
โข contents
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How is it collected?
Colostrum is collected by hand expression, not with a breast pump.
Here are the steps:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Find a comfortable position
3. Massage your breast for a few minutes
4. Place your fingers about 2-3 cm from the nipple
5. Gently press the breast back toward your chest wall
6. Compress and release in a steady rhythm (a motion similar to milking)
7. Move your hand around to stimulate the different areas of the breast
Itโs normal to collect only a few drops at first: the amount may increase over the days.
How often: 1 to 3 times a day. How long: from a few minutes up to about 10-20 minutes.
You can collect the colostrum in a small spoon or cup and then gently draw it up with a syringe.
After the birth, the colostrum collected this way can be given to the baby as needed, by the mother if the baby has trouble latching directly at the breast, or by the father if the mother isnโt available right after the birth.
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Antenatal colostrum harvesting isnโt necessary for everyone, but in some situations it can be a valuable resource for facing the first days after birth with more peace of mind.
As always, the key is a personalized assessment.
A session to approach starting solids with calm and confidence, learning about timing, methods, and practical tools to guide your baby through their first tastes.
A space for listening and presence before the day begins. A time for self-knowledge and deep listening: a weekly practice created together by two teachers who take turns leading, to wake up your muscles, let your breath flow, and nourish your inner calm every Friday morning.
Much more than a movement class: a small-group program for experiencing pregnancy mindfully. Weโll learn to listen to the body, ease tension, and use the breath as a valuable tool, discovering the personal resources to face birth with confidence.
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