How to Express Colostrum
Talk to your doctor or midwife: Always get the green light from your healthcare provider before you start.
Wait until 36 weeks: Don't rush it, your body needs time to prepare.
Hand expressing only: Pumps are a no-go during pregnancy.
Don't stress about the amount: Even a few drops of colostrum are amazing for your baby.
Seek support: If you have questions or need help, speak to a health care professional.
Stop if it hurts: Discomfort is a sign to stop and talk to your doctor.
- Prep Time: Wash your hands thoroughly! Warm up with a shower or compress, and find a comfy, quiet spot.
- Get in Position: Hold a sterilized container to catch the colostrum. Make a "C" shape with your thumb and fingers around your breast, near the base of the nipple.
- Stimulate the Flow: Gently massage your breast in circles.
- Express: Press your thumb and fingers together towards your chest wall, then release without sliding. Repeat – you should see drops of colostrum appear.
- Collect and Store: Transfer the colostrum to a labeled syringe or container, then freeze it (at -18°C or 0°F) for later use. Thaw in the fridge or warm water – never microwave or boil!
- Aim for 5 minutes per breast, 1-2 times a day.
- Wash your hands well and use clean containers.
- Don't worry if you don't get much – it's not a sign of low supply.
- Warm showers, heat packs and gentle massage can help with flow.
- Label and freeze your colostrum stash.
- Stop if you feel pain or contractions and talk to your doctor.
Freshly Expressed Milk
- room temperature - 6 to 8 hours (26°C or lower). If refrigeration is available, store milk there
- fridge - no more than 72 hours
- freezer - 2 weeks in freezer compartment inside refrigerator (-15°C); 3 months in freezer section of refrigerator with separate door (-18°C); 6 to 12 months in deep freeze (-20°C*).
It is recommended that all stored milk is correctly labelled and dated before freezing.
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