Independent Midwife Talks About Colostrum Harvesting

Colostrum harvesting: expressing, collecting and freezing colostrum during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Is it worth it?

I have always found it really helpful especially for first time mums. Many would argue that it is only necessary if there is a problem, eg gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy or planned caesarean for example.

I would agree that if a woman has a completely straightforward experience and has good consistent support postnatally then CH probably isn’t necessary, but with induction of labour running at 30% and caesareans even higher many women will experience some form of intervention and may find that their experience postnatally does not always fully support optimum conditions for breastfeeding. Also, the baby may be recovering from a long labour or instrumental birth causing him/her to be a little slow at latching. In these circumstances a little frozen colostrum will not come amiss. Furthermore, I have noted that women who do this tend to produce more colostrum from the get go and feel more confident about the whole thing. Overall a bit of a win, win.

There are many links on the internet explaining how to express colostrum and also You Tube videos.

I usually suggest to start by collecting it into a clean spoon and draw it up into the syringe because catching it in a tiny syringe is a bit of a skill. Once you get started you will be amazed at how easy it can be.

Those little tubes of liquid gold will ensure that you feel super confident.

Good Luck.

Tina Perridge RM