What is Antenatal Colostrum Collection and why it’s important.
Remember our last blog about Colostrum, your baby's first milk. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies, providing essential support to the newborn's immune system. What if I told you we could collect that liquid gold before your baby arrives. This is called, Antenatal colostrum collection, which is the process of expressing and collecting colostrum before the baby your baby arrives into this world.
WHY SHOULD I EXPRESS COLOSTRUM BEFORE I GO INTO LABOR?:
Antenatal colostrum collection is usually recommended for women who have certain medical conditions or risk factors that may affect the baby's health after birth. It helps ensure that colostrum is readily available for the baby, especially if there are concerns about the mother's ability to breastfeed immediately after delivery. Risk factors suck as Diabetes or prematurity, ect.
This is not just for mom with risk factors, all moms should be collecting and storing. It's great for your supply and you may need some extra colostrum at birth. The collected colostrum can be used if the baby has difficulty latching onto the breast initially, if there are concerns about the baby's ability to feed, or if the mother is temporarily unable to breastfeed.
WHEN CAN I START EXPRESSION?:
Antenatal colostrum collection is typically started in the last few weeks of pregnancy, around 36 weeks or as advised by healthcare professionals. It's important not to start too early to avoid stimulating premature labor. REMEMBER: YOUR OBGYN HAS TO CLEAR YOU AND GIVE THE OKAY TO START COLLECTING COLOSTRUM.
HOW DO I HAND EXPRESS TO REMOVE COLOSTRUM?:
Expressing colostrum can be done by hand. Our next blog will talk about how to hand express. I highly recommend booking a Lactation appointment around 37 weeks and work with a consultant on how to collect your colostrum. The collected colostrum is usually stored in small syringes or containers.
I HAVE MY COLOSTRUM, NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?:
Per the CDC, Colostrum can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period, usually up to 4 days, or in the freezer for about 6 months. Proper labeling with date and time is essential.
CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FIRST:
I CANT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!! t's crucial to discuss antenatal colostrum collection with healthcare providers BEFORE you begin collecting. They can provide personalized advice based on the your health, the baby's condition, and other relevant factors.
WHY MY PROVIDER MIGHT SAY ITS NOT OKAY FOR ME TO COLLECT ANTENATALLY:
While antenatal colostrum collection is generally considered safe, it's important to follow guidelines to avoid any risks, such as premature labor or infection.
It's important to note that antenatal colostrum collection is not routinely recommended for all pregnant women. It is usually considered in specific situations where there are concerns about the baby's health or the mother's ability to breastfeed immediately after birth. Always consult with healthcare professionals to determine if antenatal colostrum collection is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Joanne Gagnon, RN, CLC, NTMNC