A piece of baby preparation, often overlooked, is the practice of hand expressing colostrum before birth. After consulting your health professional, you can see if this is something you want to do for your family. If so, this blog aims to shed light on the why and how to hand expressing colostrum, providing expectant mothers with a comprehensive guide to this beneficial practice.

Understanding Colostrum and Its Importance

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands during pregnancy and just after birth. Often referred to as "liquid gold," it is incredibly nutritious and packed with antibodies to protect your newborn against infections. Colostrum plays a crucial role in the baby's gut development and provides the perfect nutrition for the first few days of life.

Why Hand Express Colostrum Before Birth?

• Early Milk Supply Stimulation: Hand expressing colostrum can help stimulate your milk ducts to start producing milk. This can be particularly beneficial for mothers who may be at risk of breastfeeding difficulties.
• Ease Breast Engorgement: Some women experience engorgement even before giving birth. Expressing can relieve discomfort.
• Building a Colostrum Store: Having a small store of colostrum can be reassuring, especially if there are concerns about the baby's ability to latch immediately after birth.
• Familiarization with Breastfeeding Process: It allows you to become familiar with your breasts and the concept of expressing milk, making the post-birth breastfeeding experience less daunting.

How to Hand Express Colostrum

• Hygiene First: Before you start, ensure that your hands are clean to avoid any contamination.
• Find a Comfortable Position: Sit comfortably and relax. You might find it helpful to gently massage your breasts.
• Hand Placement: Place your thumb above the nipple and your first few fingers below the nipple, forming a ‘C’ shape. You should be far enough from the nipple to avoid squeezing it but close enough to the areola.
• Gentle Compression: Gently press your hand back towards your chest, then compress your breast between the thumb and fingers, moving the milk towards the nipple. Avoid sliding your fingers over the skin.
• Rhythm is Key: Create a rhythmic compression, and you will start to see small droplets of colostrum. It might take a few sessions before you see any milk.
• Collecting Colostrum: If you're able to express a noticeable amount, you can collect it in a clean container. Some women use a syringe to collect and store colostrum.
• Storage and Usage: Store the expressed colostrum as advised by your healthcare provider, usually in the refrigerator or freezer. Label it with the date of expression.

Things to Remember

• Patience and Practice: It might take a few tries before you successfully express colostrum. Be patient and keep practicing.
• Small Amounts Are Normal: Colostrum is produced in small quantities, so don’t be discouraged if you only collect a little.
• Consult Healthcare Providers: Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

In conclusion, hand expressing colostrum before birth is a safe and beneficial practice that can give both the mother and the newborn a head start in their breastfeeding journey. It’s a natural way to prepare for the nourishment and care of your newborn, empowering you as you embark on the remarkable journey of motherhood.