Colostrum Harvesting: What It Is, When to Start, and How to Do It Safely

Colostrum is the very first milk that a woman can express during the later weeks of pregnancy. Breast milk earns its nickname “liquid gold” from the appearance of colostrum, which is thicker and has a tinge of orange to it. Colostrum harvesting is optional, and mothers choose to collect it because of the health benefits its rich nutrients give to their babies.

Use this guide to learn what colostrum harvesting is, whether it is the right choice for you, and how to do it safely.

What Is Colostrum Harvesting?

Colostrum is the first milk a woman produces towards the end of her pregnancy (from about 36 weeks onwards). It’s thicker, stickier, and more concentrated with nutrients than breast milk. Women collect colostrum because there are endless benefits to their baby when it is consumed after birth.

Colostrum harvesting is when a pregnant woman collects small amounts of colostrum (usually by hand expression) before her baby is born. Colostrum harvesting happens before the baby is born, so they can reap the health benefits after birth. Colostrum harvesting is not pumping or a way to build a milk supply; it’s the first milk, which later transitions into the white, clearer breast milk once a mother’s milk comes in.

Why Some Mums Choose to Harvest Colostrum

Some mothers may have more reasons to collect colostrum because they have had complications during their pregnancy or their baby’s condition requires early supplementation. However, all mums can harvest colostrum, and for some, it’s a simple desire to feel prepared and confident. Colostrum harvesting can especially benefit…

• Babies who are born by C-section or induction
• Premature birth risk
• Multiple births (twins, triplets, or more!)
• Will struggle to feed from birth due to a medical condition (e.g. cleft palate)
• Babies born with Down Syndrome
• Mothers to feed their babies with their own milk if they have had breast surgery
• Balance a baby’s blood sugar levels if their mother has diabetes or gestational diabetes

This NHS article explains how colostrum harvesting is particularly important for babies whose mothers have diabetes. As their baby’s blood sugars have adapted to the mother controlling their blood sugar levels herself, they now need to let their own bodies regulate. Colostrum is rich with nutrients and stabilises a baby’s blood sugar levels in the first couple of days of birth.

When Is It Safe to Start Collecting Colostrum?

Before you start colostrum harvesting, seek advice from your midwife in case there is a reason why you shouldn’t. Mothers who want to harvest colostrum always have good intentions, but it’s best to gain approval first.

You can start colostrum harvesting when:

• You are at 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, but it is never too late to start
• Only with approval from a midwife or healthcare provider
• You have sterile equipment to store it in

Starting earlier than 36 weeks isn’t recommended because it can stimulate the uterus and start contractions (also known as Braxton Hicks). When your baby breastfeeds for the first time, it’s normal to feel small contractions. This is what your body will think is happening should you start too soon, and harvest colostrum over a longer time than is recommended.

How to Harvest Colostrum Safely

Whether you’re at home or in the hospital, mothers can collect colostrum in the weeks or days leading up to the birth. Like with breastfeeding, it’s important to practice good hygiene before and after expressing.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
• Use hand expression to massage the breast (not an electric pump).
• Express gently. The aim is to collect drops, not ounces.
• Collect into sterile syringes or containers.
• Label with the date/time it was collected.
• Store in the freezer immediately.

Colostrum harvesting uses hand expression only because at this stage, you’re only collecting very small amounts of colostrum. Breast pumps are useful after birth when you’re establishing feeding and maintaining a healthy milk supply.

How Much Colostrum Is Normal to Collect?

Colostrum is much thicker than breast milk, so it’s normal for it to come out in small drops. The amount of colostrum you harvest doesn’t impact or predict a mother’s milk supply down the line. In a single session, you could collect between 0.5 and 2 mL of colostrum. A baby’s stomach is only the size of a marble at birth, so even a tiny syringe of colostrum is enough for a single feed.

How to Store and Use Harvested Colostrum

When you have expressed colostrum, use a sterile syringe or container to store it. Ensure there is a cap on the end of the syringe so it doesn’t leak. It can be useful to have a cool bag to hand to transport your milk to the hospital.

You can keep colostrum in the fridge for up to 5 days (not in the door) or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once it has thawed in the fridge, the colostrum must be used within 24 hours. Colostrum thawed at room temperature must be used within 5 hours.

Hospitals will likely have their own rules and guidance about storing colostrum and breast milk on your behalf, so get in touch beforehand to be prepared. Any colostrum you have stored in the freezer after your baby is born can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. As they get older and more established at feeding, you can use the syringe or a small cup to feed them.

Is Colostrum Harvesting Right for Everyone?

There are situations when colostrum harvesting isn’t recommended because there are other factors at play which could affect the mother’s pregnancy or the baby’s health. If you have any concerns, talk these through with your midwife for advice.

• High-risk pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, cervical suture (stitch) in place)
• History of preterm labour
• Placenta complications (low-lying placenta or placental site unknown)
• The mother is taking medication which a baby cannot breastfeed on

Common Myths and FAQs About Colostrum Harvesting

“Colostrum harvesting will start labour”

No, not when colostrum is harvested safely and close to full term. Ideally, you would wait until 36-37 weeks to start collecting colostrum.

“Can I use a breast pump to collect colostrum?”

No, you shouldn’t use a breast pump to collect colostrum. Stimulating the breast with a strong electric breast pump during the pregnancy stages is not recommended. Hand expressions are all you need to collect colostrum at this stage.

“I’m not getting much colostrum, so it’s not working”

This is totally normal! Colostrum comes out in tiny drops, so you would usually only collect 0.5 - 2ml per session. Colostrum harvesting is more about collecting tiny drops, not ounces.

“What if I don’t harvest any colostrum?”

This is also common and not a reflection on how your milk supply will be after birth. Try different hand expressions, and if you still cannot express any colostrum, rest and try the next day.

“I’ll ruin breastfeeding later if I harvest colostrum”

Whether you do or don’t harvest colostrum before your baby is born, it won’t impact your milk supply if you want to breastfeed or exclusively pump. Even if you don’t collect colostrum, your baby’s first milk when they feed at the breast will be colostrum. It then turns into the breast milk we all know as a mother’s milk, which comes in from about 2-5 days postpartum.

Final Thoughts

There are many benefits to colostrum harvesting, but note that this is optional and not a requirement before your baby is born. Speak to your midwife about colostrum harvesting if you have any queries, so you can make informed and pressure-free decisions. Whether you harvest colostrum or not, your body is already preparing to nourish your baby.