Although you might hear that it is worthwhile to collect colostrum before the baby is born, it usually isn’t necessary to do so. The increase in milk production after birth is initially caused by the placenta …

Nov 4, 2024 · Prenatal milk expression is when you hand express colostrum while you're still pregnant. Doing it may help a mother’s breast milk to come in sooner, and saved colostrum can be used to …

This handout explains why and how to express milk before having your baby. Talk with your provider before you start to hand-express your breast milk, to make sure it is a good option for you.

Antenatally, you’ll only need to express for three to five minutes – just until you have a few drops of colostrum. It may not seem very much, but a baby’s first feed is no more than a teaspoon of colostrum.

This technique involves expressing colostrum in the final few weeks of pregnancy. It can also be referred to as ‘colostrum harvesting’ and is advocated by some NHS Trusts.

Discover why some mums express colostrum before birth, when it’s helpful, and how to do it safely, with tips and support from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Jan 28, 2026 · Discover how to safely harvest prenatal colostrum, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to prepare for successful breastfeeding.

Learn about expressing colostrum before birth, known as antenatal milk expression (AME). Discover its potential benefits for mothers with special circumstances, explore potential drawbacks, and get …

Jan 9, 2026 · Colostrum is produced in very small, highly concentrated amounts, and collecting just a few drops or less than 1 milliliter (mL) per session is completely normal, especially when first starting.

Apr 29, 2026 · Learn how to safely hand express and store colostrum before your due date, including when to start, what to avoid, and how to bring it to the hospital.