A Guide to Successful Antenatal Expressing: Tips for a Smooth Start

Antenatal expressing—hand-expressing and collecting colostrum before birth—is a wonderful way to prepare for your breastfeeding journey. But what exactly is colostrum?

Colostrum is your baby’s first milk, a thick, nutrient-rich liquid produced during pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. Often referred to as "liquid gold" because of its deep yellow color, colostrum is packed with antibodies, proteins, and essential nutrients that help support your baby’s immune system and digestion.

Expressing colostrum before birth can be especially helpful if your baby needs extra support after delivery, has difficulty latching, or if you want to feel more confident about your breastfeeding journey. While it’s a new skill to learn, with a little patience and practice, you’ll soon feel comfortable with the process!

Here’s everything you need to know to make antenatal expressing a positive and successful experience.

1. Preparing Your Body for Expressing

Creating the right environment can make a big difference:

• Relax and get comfortable. Find a quiet space where you feel at ease. Stress can sometimes slow colostrum flow.
• Use warmth. A warm shower or placing a warm compress on your breasts can help stimulate flow.
• Try gentle breast massage. Light circular motions before and during expressing can encourage colostrum to release.

2. Learning the Right Technique

Mastering the hand-expressing technique will make the process easier:

• Use a "C" shape. Place your thumb above and fingers below the nipple to create a "C" shape.
• Press back, then gently compress forward. Avoid squeezing or pinching the nipple directly.
• Go at your own pace. Every body is different—give yourself time to get comfortable with the technique.

3. Understanding How Much Colostrum to Expect

Colostrum is often thick and collected in small amounts, which is completely normal:

• Drops are valuable! Even a few drops are packed with nutrients and antibodies for your baby.
• It varies for everyone. Some people collect more, others less—both are completely normal.
• Consistency matters. Expressing once or twice a day can help your body adjust to the process.

4. What Colostrum Looks Like

Colostrum can vary in appearance, and all variations are completely normal:

• It may be clear, golden yellow, or slightly orange.
• The texture can be thin and watery or thick and sticky.
• Every drop is incredibly beneficial, no matter how it looks!

5. Storing Your Colostrum Safely

Once you’ve collected colostrum, proper storage ensures it’s ready for your baby:

• Use sterile syringes or small containers to collect and store colostrum.
• Label and date each collection so you know when it was expressed.
• Freeze immediately at -18°C (0°F) or lower for future use.
• Use an insulated cooler with ice packs when bringing colostrum to the hospital.

Embracing the Process

Antenatal expressing is a wonderful way to feel empowered in your breastfeeding journey. Every drop of colostrum is a gift to your baby, and the process can help build confidence before birth.

Colostrum kits are available in our shop here