Why is that first colostrum feed so important?
Harvesting Liquid
Gold:
Why Hand
Expressing
Colostrum Before
Birth Is So
Valuable...
Before your baby arrives, there’s a quiet, powerful way you can prepare for feeding — hand expressing colostrum.
This golden, nutrient-rich milk is the very first food your baby is designed to receive — and it really is liquid gold. Whether you’re planning to breastfeed, chestfeed, or are still finding your feet, collecting and storing colostrum antenatally through hand expressing colostrum before birth can be a game changer.
As an infant feeding coach, I often support families who wish they’d known earlier just how valuable antenatal colostrum collection can be. But I also want to reassure you: if you try to hand express colostrum and nothing comes out at first, that’s completely normal. You’re learning a new skill — and your body is preparing in its own time. The important thing is to get those lovely oxytocin hormones flowing and give yourself the space to try again.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, usually from around 16 weeks of pregnancy. It's thick, sticky, and golden (though sometimes clear or pale), and packed full of antibodies, immune-boosting properties, and everything your baby needs in the first few days after birth.
It's only made in small amounts — and that’s exactly what your baby’s tiny tummy needs.
Why hand express colostrum before baby
arrives?
There are several reasons why antenatal colostrum collection through hand expressing colostrum might be recommended — or simply helpful:
Gives you a head start – If your baby is sleepy, struggling to latch, or born early, having a little colostrum stored can help you feed them while you establish breastfeeding.
Great for babies with additional needs – Babies expected to have conditions like cleft lip/palate, Down’s syndrome, or heart conditions may benefit from early colostrum feeding.
Helpful if you have diabetes (Type 1, 2 or gestational) – Your baby might need extra support with blood sugar regulation after birth, and collecting colostrum antenatally is especially beneficial in these cases.
Empowers and prepares you – Learning how to hand express colostrum before birth gives you confidence in your body’s ability and gets you familiar with your breasts before the whirlwind of postnatal life.
When can I start hand expressing
colostrum?
You can usually begin hand expressing colostrum from around 36 or 37 weeks, unless advised otherwise by your midwife or healthcare provider. It’s always best to check in with them first, especially if you have any complications or risks like early labour.
How do I hand express colostrum?
Hand expressing colostrum is a gentle technique that you can learn to do yourself. You don’t need a pump — just clean hands, a bit of time, and some sterile syringes to collect the colostrum.
But here's the most important thing to remember:
💛 If nothing comes out the first time — that’s OK.
It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, or that you won’t make milk. It’s totally normal for it to take a few tries — you’re learning, and your body is responding in its own time.
Colostrum is encouraged by oxytocin — the love hormone — which is released through warmth, touch, calm, and connection. So think: cosy blanket, warm shower, some gentle music, a scan photo, or even visualising cuddling your baby. Let those lovely hormones work their magic.
In my antenatal classes, I teach step-by-step how to hand express colostrum before birth, including:
How to massage and prepare the breast
How to find the right rhythm and position for expressing
Oxytocin-boosting tips to support your colostrum flow
How to store and freeze colostrum safely
How to label and transport it to hospital
Is hand expressing colostrum right for
everyone?
Hand expressing colostrum before baby arrives is a safe and low-intervention practice for most people, but it’s not a “must-do” or a test of how “good” a parent you’ll be. It’s simply an option — a helpful tool in your breastfeeding preparation toolkit — and one that can really support you in the early days if needed.
Want to learn how?
I'm running a relaxed, informative antenatal session on Thursday 21st August at Nurture the Borders (6:30–8:30pm).
We'll cover:
How to hand express colostrum
Breastfeeding positions and good attachment
Skin-to-skin, breast crawl and those first golden hours
There’ll also be time to ask questions and connect with other parents-to-be.
Spaces are limited – to book your place, just drop me a message or email.
💛 A final gentle reminder…
“If the colostrum doesn’t come today, try again tomorrow. Your body knows what to do — and it responds best when you are relaxed, safe and supported. You’ve got this.”