Did you know there are 3 phases of breastmilk?
Colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk.

So let’s start at the beginning…

Colostrum is the liquid gold that is produced during the first few days after birth and in the weeks leading up to birth. It will provide a new born with all the calories and nutrients they need before your milk comes in.

The nutrient profile and immunological composition of colostrum is very different to that of transitional milk and mature milk. Colostrum contains nutrients, growth factors, anti microbial compounds and immune regulating constituents either not present in milk or in substantially lower concentrations.

Did you know you can start collecting this liquid gold towards the end of your pregnancy?

Expressing Colostrum

Expressing colostrum can be done towards the end of pregnancy. It is not only a great way to build up a little emergency stash, it gives you an opportunity to get to know your boobs ready for your breastfeeding journey.

You can start at around 37 weeks and it is always best to get the go ahead from your care provider. You will only produce a tiny amount with each go so be patient. Collect colostrum in small syringes or I love the Haakaa colostrum collectors (Use ‘VILLAGE 10‘ for 10% off purchase).

Start by gently hand expressing. You want to use a wide C hold about 1 inch back from the areola which is just behind the milk duct terminals. Roll the thumb and index finger (C hold) forward towards the nipple with steady even pressure expressing small amounts of colostrum out into the collector. 

Store colostrum in the freezer for up to 3 months and a deep freeze for up to a year. Don’t forget to pack some in a cool bag when you go to hospital to give birth. Frozen colostrum as a back up can be amazing if you need to be separated from baby.  Colostrum can also but given to baby as a ‘top up’ feed if your baby require supplementation for any reason.