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This leaflet explains how to hand express colostrum while you are pregnant and why it is good for your baby.
If you have questions, ask your midwife or the infant feeding team.
Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. It usually starts around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes, it might leak from your breasts before your baby is born.
Colostrum is perfect for your baby because:
- it protects your baby from getting sick.
- it helps your baby’s tummy grow strong.
- it helps your baby pass their first poo, which can stop jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes or mouth).
This means collecting colostrum before your baby is born. It helps to initiate breastfeeding. If your baby needs extra milk after birth, you can use the colostrum you harvested instead of formula milk.
Start at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Collecting colostrum usually does not start labour. You might feel your tummy tighten and relax, this is normal and called Braxton Hicks contractions.
If you feel period-like cramps or think labour has started:
- stop collecting.
- rest and try again later.
- if cramps don’t stop, call MAMAS line: 0300 013 2004
- It helps you learn about your breasts and feel confident feeding your baby.
- If your baby can’t feed straight away, they still get the important protection from colostrum.
Do not express if you:
- have had early labour (premature labour) problems.
- have a stitch in your cervix (cerclage).
- take medicine that could harm your baby through breastmilk
(ask your midwife or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk ). - have certain placenta problems (ask your midwife or doctor).
If you are not sure, talk to your midwife.
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them well.
- Get a clean container, like a syringe, to collect the colostrum. Your midwife can give you these.
- Find a quiet, comfortable place. Looking at a picture of your baby or gently touching your tummy can help you feel connected.
- Massage your breast in circles from the outside toward the nipple for about 2 minutes.
- Roll or gently squeeze your nipple for about 1 minute to help the milk start flowing.
- Put your thumb and finger in a “C” shape about 2–3 cm from the base of your nipple.
- Press and release gently in a rhythm.
- Do not slide your fingers on your skin or nipple.
- It should not hurt. - Collect the colostrum in your container or syringe. It might take a few minutes.
- When the milk flow slows, move your fingers to a different spot and repeat.
- Do the same on the other breast.
- Label your container with:
- your name
- hospital number
- date of birth
- time and date you collected the milk - Store your milk safely (see next section).
- You can express 2 to 8 times a day.
- Start with twice a day for about 10 minutes.
- Do more if you want, do what feels comfortable for you.
- Keep it in the back of the fridge, not in the door.
- Keep it away from raw meat or eggs.
- Follow the storage guide below.
This table shows the recommended maximum safe storage times for your colostrum whilst you are at home.
| Room temperature | 6 hours |
| Fridge: 5-10 degrees | 3 days |
| Fridge: 4 degrees and lower | 4 days |
| Freezer: minus 18 degrees and lower | 6 months |
| Defrosted | use straight away |
- Bring no more than 5 syringes at a time.
- Keep the milk cool in a cool bag with ice packs.
- Do not refreeze milk that has been thawed.
- Tell your midwife when you arrive so they can freeze it safely.
- Make sure your milk is labelled with:
- your name
- hospital number
- date of birth
- time and date you expressed it
- Midwives will check your milk and help you feed it to your baby safely.
- Take any unused milk home when you leave the hospital.
- Leftover milk will be thrown away after 48 hours.
Remember
It’s normal if you only get a little milk or none at all at first. Don’t worry – this is common.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/048
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.