Colostrum Harvesting
You might be wondering what the heck is colostrum harvesting, or maybe you’ve heard of it. While you are still pregnant your body is preparing for the breastfeeding journey. In fact a process that prepares for milk production, called Lactogenesis I, can occur as early as 16 weeks. Colostrum can start to form in the breasts in the second trimester of pregnancy. The role of our hormones in pregnancy is what inhibits the production of large amounts of milk. Once you deliver your baby the second stage kicks into high gear. So what does this mean for you? You can harvest/collect some of that rich golden milk to give to babe in the first few days or weeks of life.
Why can this be helpful?
Research has shown it can be helpful in many ways. Including helping a sleepy newborn latch, decrease jaundice and sleepiness, stabilize blood sugar, speed up milk production, as well as help sooth and calm a hungry newborn baby. Wait! There’s more, it can also help prevent large weight loss in babe after birth which can decrease the use of early formula in those early days. It is also a great way to become comfortable with your breasts and learn the skill of hand expression. A valuable tool for you in your breastfeeding journey.
Ok, now let’s talk about WHEN to collect colostrum. It is recommended to start at 36 weeks for harvesting colostrum unless you have been advised against it from your health care provider because of a risk factor. The reason we don’t suggest earlier is to be extra cautious around causing contractions in the uterus which could encourage early initiation of labour.
So now that you know the WHAT, the WHY and the WHEN, let’s discuss the HOW.
Gather supplies: I have colostrum harvesting kits available which include, two different sized syringes, cups, and labels which help you collect and then store your liquid gold in the freezer for when the big day arrives.
Start with every other day when you feel up to it, you can begin by exploring, massaging, or applying a warm compress.
It should never hurt or be uncomfortable
a. Hand expression is creating some negative pressure in the breasts ‘pushing’ things to flow downward. You can start by making a c shape with thumb and fingers. Thumb on the top and fingers below, find a spot on your breast and pull the breast tissue gently back into your chest and then lightly squeeze. Think of squeezing the pinky to ring finger, to middle and then index finger in a way to roll from top to bottom. Or from upper breast tissue to the lower (closer to the nipple) breast tissue. It should never hurt!
b. A little expression or massage downward and then gentle squeeze around the Areola can work also. Ultimately do what feels comfortable for you and use this time to become familiar with your breasts.
You may not see anything the first couple times that’s ok! Or you may see just drops or beads on the outside of your nipple. That’s perfectly normal you are still preparing your breasts for more colostrum to come. Some things to promote production are stress reduction and relaxation. To promote a calm environment you can dim the lights, light a candle, drink some warm tea, watch a feel good show, or simply have a shower or bath to feel warm and relaxed. You should also be nourished, hydrated, and comfortable.
Once you have practiced for a couple days and you start to see more volume you can collect in to a cup and transfer to a syringe or simply suck up through the syringe from your nipple. Once collected you can label the colostrum with the date and time. Be sure to include your name for when you take the liquid gold to the hospital. Lastly place the syringes in the freezer. Now you’re set. When you pack your hospital bag be sure to pack a cooler bag with a frozen pack. When you’re working on establishing a latch with your little one you can warm up the colostrum and provide to babe through the syringe on the nipple, on a spoon, or in a cup as babe ‘laps’ up the milk like a little puppy.
