How to Hand Express Colostrum Before Birth

This guide is designed for pregnant women who wish to express and store colostrum before birth. Colostrum is often referred to as 'liquid gold' because it’s rich in antibodies and nutrients.

Hand expressing can help you collect this valuable early milk, especially if your baby may need extra support after birth.

When to Start

Most care providers recommend starting colostrum expression around 36–37 weeks of pregnancy, but always check with your healthcare provider before beginning.

Supplies You'll Need

- Warm compress (optional) – helps with relaxation and opens up the tinny vessels to release the milk.

- Clean hands (Always wash your hands before hand expression or pumping postpartum).- Sterile syringes or colostrum collectors (I recommend the Momcozy Colostrum Collectors because they come ready to use, sterilized and have tags inside the box you can attach to the collector once you expressed enough to freeze).

- Labels for storage

- A clean container or spoon for collection (You can collect directly into the colostrum collectors. The ability to apply suction on the drops really help to gather the all).

- Your breast/nipple

How to Hand Express: Step-by-Step

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Apply a warm compress or take a warm shower to help stimulate milk flow.

3. Gently massage your breast in circular motions, moving from the chest toward the nipple.

4. Make a 'C' shape with your thumb and forefinger, placing them about 2–3 cm behind the nipple.

5. Press back toward your chest wall, then compress and release in a rhythmic motion.

6. Drops of colostrum should start to appear. Collect them with a sterile syringe or spoon.

7. Switch between breasts every few minutes. Each session may last 5–10 minutes per side.

8. Label the syringe with the date and time and store it in the freezer.

Tips for Success

- Relax and take deep breaths before starting.

- Try expressing after a warm bath or when you're most relaxed.

- Use gentle, consistent pressure; don’t squeeze or pinch the nipple.

- Don’t worry if you get only a few drops—that’s normal!

Storage Guidelines

Colostrum should be stored in sterile syringes or containers and labeled with the date and time. Keep it in the freezer and transport it to the hospital in a cooler with ice packs if needed. Frozen colostrum can be safely stored for up to 6 months.