Expressing Colostrum Before Labor: What You Need to Know
You may have heard about collecting or “harvesting” colostrum before your baby arrives, but what does that actually mean—and is it right for you?
For many families, expressing colostrum during late pregnancy can be a powerful way to prepare for the early days of feeding your baby. It’s a safe, simple practice that can offer both practical benefits and a deep sense of confidence before birth.
Let’s walk through what colostrum is, why you might express it before labor, how to do it safely, and who this practice is most helpful for.
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your body produces during pregnancy and just after birth. Sometimes called “liquid gold” for its rich, golden color and high concentration of nutrients, colostrum is thick, sticky, and packed with:
Immune-protective antibodies
White blood cells
Growth factors
Easy-to-digest proteins
Vitamins A, E, and K
It’s produced in small amounts—just the right size for your newborn’s tiny stomach—and plays a critical role in building your baby’s immune system.
When Can You Start Expressing Colostrum?
Colostrum typically begins to be produced in the second trimester, but hand expressing it isn’t recommended until after 36 or 37 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised earlier by your provider.
That’s because nipple stimulation can, in rare cases, cause uterine contractions. After 37 weeks, your baby is considered full-term, and colostrum collection is generally safe for low-risk pregnancies.
Always check with your care provider first, especially if you:
Have a history of preterm labor
Have placenta previa or a cervical condition
Are carrying multiples
Why Would Someone Want to Express Colostrum Before Birth?
Expressing colostrum before labor is not required—but it can be incredibly helpful in a variety of circumstances.
It may be especially beneficial if:
You have gestational diabetes (baby is at higher risk for low blood sugar)
You’re planning a cesarean birth or may have delayed skin-to-skin
You’re at risk of breastfeeding delays (e.g., due to medications, separation, or baby’s health conditions)
You’ve had previous low milk supply or breast surgery
You want to feel prepared and confident for feeding right after birth
Having expressed colostrum on hand gives you a backup option in those first hours and days—without relying on formula—especially if your baby needs extra support or has trouble latching early on.
How to Express Colostrum by Hand
Hand expression is the most effective way to express colostrum. Because it’s so thick and sticky, using a pump at this stage usually isn’t helpful.
Here’s how to do it:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Use a warm compress or take a warm shower to stimulate flow.
Gently massage your breasts, especially around the outer areas.
Place your thumb and forefinger about 1 inch behind the nipple.
Press back toward the chest wall, then gently compress and release in a rhythm.
When you see beads of colostrum, collect them in a sterile container or oral syringe.
Switch sides every few minutes.
You may only get a few drops at a time—that’s perfectly normal! Even a small amount is valuable for your baby.
How to Store and Transport Colostrum
Collect colostrum in 1 mL or 3 mL oral syringes (your provider or lactation consultant can provide them).
Label with your name, date, and time.
Store in the freezer immediately (in a clean ziplock bag if needed).
Bring to the hospital in a cooler with ice packs when you go into labor.
How Is Colostrum Used After Birth?
If your baby needs supplemental feeds, has low blood sugar, or is sleepy at the breast, your stored colostrum can be offered via:
Syringe
Cup
Spoon
Finger feeding
Supplementer at the breast
It can also be incredibly helpful for:
Premature babies
Babies with a tight latch
Babies separated from their parent after birth
People recovering from cesareans, inductions, or long labors
Even if you don’t end up needing it, many people report that expressing colostrum helped them feel more confident in their feeding journey from day one.
When Not to Express
Expressing colostrum is safe for most people late in pregnancy, but you should speak with your provider before starting if you:
Are at risk for preterm labor
Have a high-risk pregnancy
Experience contractions or bleeding when you try to express
Are unsure about your milk production history
Always follow your body’s cues—this shouldn’t be painful or stressful. If it feels like too much or brings up anxiety, it’s okay to skip it.
Final Thoughts: You’re Already Nourishing Your Baby
Whether or not you choose to express colostrum before labor, please know this: your body is already providing for your baby. Just by being pregnant, your body has begun creating the perfect food to support your baby’s transition to life outside the womb.
If expressing colostrum makes you feel more prepared, amazing. If it doesn’t feel right for you—that’s okay too.
Everyone’s feeding journey is different. There is no one “right” way to start—it’s about informed choice, support, and trust in your body.
If you’d like help learning how to hand express or want guidance for your unique situation, I’d be honored to support you.
References
Australian Breastfeeding Association.
“Antenatal Expression of Colostrum.”
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/antenatal-expression-colostrumChapman, D. J., & Pérez-Escamilla, R. (2012).
“Breastfeeding among minority women: moving from risk factors to interventions.” Advances in Nutrition, 3(1), 95–104.
https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.001016National Health Service (NHS), UK.
“Antenatal Expressing of Colostrum – Information for Parents.”
https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Pregnancyandbirth/Colostrum-harvesting-antenatal-expression-of-breast-milk.pdfAssociation of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).
“Nipple Stimulation and Preterm Labor Risk.” Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines.
https://www.awhonn.orgAcademy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM).
Protocol #25: “Guidelines for Glucose Monitoring and Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Term and Late-Preterm Neonates.”
https://www.bfmed.org/protocolsWorld Health Organization (WHO).
“Guideline: Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding in Facilities Providing Maternity and Newborn Services.”
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240005648Moberg, K., & Prime, D. K. (2021).
“Prebirth expression of colostrum: Helping prepare parents for breastfeeding success.” Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 66(4), 502–509.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13259La Leche League International.
“Hand Expression of Breastmilk.”
https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/hand-expression/Walker, M. (2017).
Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician: Using the Evidence. 4th ed. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
