Prenatal Colostrum Expression Risks & Benefits
- jaimiezaki
- Jun 10
- 4 min read
Colostrum Prenatal Expression
If you’ve been wondering what prenatal colostrum collection is all about—or if you should even bother—this post is for you. As a mama preparing for birth, you’re already working overtime to do what’s best for your baby. Collecting colostrum before birth might seem like just one more thing—but it can actually be one of the most powerful, confidence-boosting steps you take.
Let’s break it all down in a no-fluff, no-fear, mama-empowering way.
What Is Prenatal Colostrum?
Colostrum is the thick, golden first milk your body produces during pregnancy and right after birth. It’s often called “liquid gold” for a reason: it’s packed with immune-boosting antibodies, gut-healing enzymes, and nutrients your baby can’t get anywhere else.
Even if you’re unsure about breastfeeding long-term, offering your baby colostrum in those first few days is an incredible gift. Think of it as nature’s first vaccine—and your baby’s first dose of protection.
Why Consider Prenatal Colostrum Collection?
Collecting colostrum during pregnancy isn’t just “extra credit.” For many mamas, it becomes a lifeline in the early hours or days after birth.
Here’s why you might want to express colostrum before baby arrives:
🍼 Your baby might need early supplementation (think low blood sugar or early medical concerns).
🚫 You want to avoid formula in the hospital and have a backup plan you trust.
💉 You have gestational diabetes or other medical conditions that increase the chances of early feeding challenges.
⏱️ You’re at risk of preterm labor or preparing for a cesarean birth.
Having your own colostrum on hand gives you more control, more options, and more peace of mind.
Is It Safe to Collect Colostrum During Pregnancy?
Yes—for most women, prenatal colostrum expression is safe. While some providers recommend waiting until36-37 weeks, the truth is, hand expression is generally safe at any point.
Let’s clear up a common myth:🤰🏽 “Won’t hand expression trigger labor?”
While hand expression can release a small amount of oxytocin, it’s nothing compared to the hormonal surges from orgasm or labor-inducing medications.
Unless you’re on pelvic rest that prohibits you from safely orgasming, prenatal colostrum hand expression is safe and gentle—not a fast track to labor.
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How to Hand Express Colostrum
Don’t worry—you don’t need a pump, and you definitely don’t need to flood your freezer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Start with clean hands and a relaxed body. Use warmth (like a warm compress) and gentle breast massage.
Place your fingers behind the areola (not on the nipple).
Gently press back toward your chest wall, then compress forward. Think rhythm, not force.
Collect into a small silicone colostrum collector or sterile container.
Tip: Some mamas prefer soft silicone collection bottles over plastic syringes. They feel more natural and less medical—and you can offer colostrum directly from them after birth.
“I’m Not Getting Much—Is That Normal?”
YES. During pregnancy, most women express just a few drops to a few milliliters per session. That’s normal—and enough.
🌟 The amount you collect prenatally has nothing to do with your future milk supply. Once the placenta detaches after birth, your milk-making hormones kick into high gear.
So if you’re not seeing much, don’t panic. Your body knows what it’s doing.
What If It’s Still Not Working?
You have options:
🤱🏼 Try again later, with more relaxation and stimulation.
💬 Work with a lactation consultant skilled in prenatal expression techniques.
🍼 Look into donor milk as a temporary bridge if avoiding formula is important to you.
Prenatal Colostrum Collection: A Confidence Tool
This isn’t about doing “all the things.” It’s about stacking the deck in your favor.
Collecting colostrum prenatally is one of the most empowering steps you can take to protect your breastfeeding goals, avoid unnecessary formula use, and feel prepared—even if things don’t go perfectly.
Want More Support?
Inside the Breastfeeding Prep & Thrive Program, we go even deeper into:
How to safely collect and store prenatal colostrum
Red flags to watch for and when to ask for help
Avoiding Unnecessary Formula
My step-by-step LATCH Technique to make breastfeeding smoother from Day 1
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
You were made to do this—but you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just need the right info, the right support, and the courage to trust your gut.
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
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