Liquid Gold
Colostrum harvesting is something I have started recommending my clients do at 37 weeks onwards. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Colostrum is the thick, creamy breast milk that nourishes your baby in the first few days after birth. Why is it called 'liquid gold’? Well, as you can see, it's GOLDEN (often quite surprising when you're expecting something as white as cow’s milk!)- but also, it's MAGIC.
Colostrum is incredibly nutrient dense. Up to 2/3 of colostrum is made up of white blood cells (which produce antibodies), providing protection from bugs & building immunity. It's absolutely full of vitamins and minerals, which help your baby transition from life inside the womb. Colostrum supports the development of everything from the gut, to their skin, to their eyes! It's also very high in fat, meaning babies only need a very small amount (their tummies are only the size of a marble when they're born) to get everything that they need at each feed.
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, are expecting twins or multiples, or are planning a cesarean, you may have already been talked through something called 'colostrum harvesting'. However, this is something I recommend to ALL women, regardless of their plans for giving birth, as often unexpected things such as blood loss, an instrumental delivery, a particularly long labor, tongue tie, or lack of support can unexpectedly impact your breastfeeding journey, and having a back-up can be incredibly helpful and alleviate a lot of stress!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Colostrum harvesting involves collecting some of your breast milk, DURING PREGNANCY, and storing it in the freezer before your baby's birth. Meaning, that if for any reason breastfeeding is difficult to establish or your baby requires any additional milk (commonly suggested if you had diabetes or a baby has jaundice), you have a stash of the good stuff to keep you going! You can start colostrum harvesting from 37 weeks.
How to collect your colostrum:
You will need a colostrum harvesting syringe - you can ask your midwife for some or buy yourself; I always recommend Haakaa, you can find some on Amazon.
Find a peaceful place to relax without interruption.
A bath or shower is great to take before or use a warmish/hot compress on breasts.
Slowly and firmly stroke your breasts from the top down towards the nipple with either a flat hand or make your hand into a fist.
After a few minutes, make a ‘C’ shape with your thumb and fingers around 2-3 cm from the nipple end then gently squeeze. Only squeeze briefly and don’t squeeze until it’s painful.
After a few rounds, you should see drops of colostrum come out of your nipple.
Use the syringe to collect it.
Make sure you label the syringe with the date you collected and store in your freezer ready to bring into the hospital or use on the day you give birth as well as the days that follow. If you are having a hospital birth you will need to pack the syringes in a cooler in between ice packs to ensure it stays frozen.
Don’t expect to get more than a few drops at first!
*As always, please check with your care provider.