So let’s clear this up right away: antenatal expression of colostrum is completely optional.
For some parents, it’s unnecessary. For others, particularly when feeding challenges are expected, it can be a helpful and a confidence-building step before birth. As a lactation consultant we often explain to our expecting parents, and in our antenatal classes, that it’s not about pressure or perfection, but about having information and options.
What Is Antenatal Expression of Colostrum?
Antenatal expressing involves hand expressing small amounts of colostrum (your first milk) during late pregnancy, usually from 36–37 weeks onwards, and storing it for use after birth if needed.
Colostrum is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and energy — and even very small amounts can make a difference in the early days.
When Might Antenatal Expressing Be Recommended?
A lactation consultant or maternity care provider may suggest antenatal expressing if your baby is expected to need extra feeding support after birth, including in situations such as:
- ✓Diabetes in pregnancy, where baby may need blood sugar monitoring
- ✓A planned early birth or more medicalised delivery (such as an elective caesarean)
- ✓Babies with a known congenital condition (e.g. cleft palate)
- ✓A history of low milk supply in previous breastfeeding journeys
- ✓Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- ✓Previous breast surgery
- ✓Limited breast development
In these cases, having stored colostrum available can reduce stress and support early feeding.
Why Consider Antenatal Expressing?
Even when there are no medical risk factors, some parents choose to antenatally express because:
- ✓Human milk is the recommended nutrition for all babies, especially those with additional health needs
- ✓Stored colostrum may reduce the likelihood of formula supplementation in hospital
- ✓It can support exclusive breastfeeding in the early days
- ✓Exclusive breastfeeding supports healthy gut development and beneficial gut bacteria
- ✓Learning hand expression before birth can increase confidence and familiarity with your body
Also antenatal colostrum harvesting/expressing can help parents feel more prepared, even if they end up not using the stored milk.
When Should You Start?
Current research suggests beginning from 37 weeks of pregnancy, unless advised otherwise by your midwife, doctor, or lactation consultant.
How to Hand Express Colostrum
Here’s a gentle, evidence-based approach commonly taught in antenatal classes and lactation consultant sessions in Auckland:
1Wash your hands
2Prepare a clean container or syringe for collection — you can collect over 1–2 days, label, date, freeze, then start again
3Warm your breasts using gentle touch, massage, or a warm shower
4Take a few moments to relax — calm breathing helps milk flow
5Place your fingers back on the areola
6Push back gently, compress fingers together, then release
7When flow slows, reposition your hand and repeat
8Express for 3–5 minutes on each breast, a few times a day
Expressing should never be painful. Avoid squeezing, pulling, or dragging the skin.
How Much Colostrum Is Normal?
A large study (the DAME trial) looked at women who hand expressed for 10 minutes, morning and night, over four weeks:
25%
collected 0–1ml total
50%
collected around 5.5ml total
25%
collected more than this
The amount of colostrum collected antenatally has no relationship to how much milk you will produce once your baby is born.
Small amounts are normal. This is not a test of your breastfeeding ability.
Support Makes a Difference
Antenatal expressing is not a requirement. It’s simply one option. What matters most is feeling informed, supported, and confident.
Included with our antenatal classes
Attend in person at Birthcare Auckland or Titirangi, or learn online. Your package includes:
Breastfeeding Class — Pre-recorded, online
Taking Baby Home Class — Pre-recorded, online
We cover topics like hand expressing in a practical, non-judgemental way, alongside the guidance you’d expect from an experienced midwife and lactation consultant. Whether you attend in person or online, our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make the decisions that feel right for you and your baby.
Want Personal Support?
Book a lactation consultant at the HolisticBaby Clinic, Birthcare Auckland, or join our antenatal classes.
Book a Lactation Consultant
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