How to Hand Express Colostrum (video)
What is hand expression?
Hand expression is a technique of manually removing milk from the breasts using your hands.
(this post may contain affiliate links)
It’s a GREAT idea to take a simple and affordable breastfeeding class. Breastfeeding is something you need to LEARN to do. The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class is on-demand and perfect for new moms.
Why is hand expressing colostrum important?
It’s very important to begin removing milk as soon as possible after birth (either from baby or from expressing).
And colostrum is liquid gold - and jam packed FULL of nutrition and antibodies for your newborn.
If your baby can’t or won’t latch, it’s important to have a backup method for getting your colostrum out.
Because colostrum (the milk you produce the 1st few days postpartum before your milk transitions) is thicker, it’s not easy to remove with a pump. Instead, learn the hand expression technique so that you’re able to remove as much as possible!
You can add in sessions of hand expression postpartum even IF your baby latches well! The more milk you remove, the more milk you end up making so it’s a great way to boost your milk supply if you ever need to!
How to express colostrum by hand (video)
Here is a wonderful tutorial produced by Stanford University, showing exactly how to hand express colostrum.
How much colostrum does a baby need?
Not much!
A full-term baby’s tummy is about the size of a marble when they’re born.
Expect to get a few drops up to 1 ounce out with your first expression.
By days 2-5 postpartum, the colostrum will transition to more mature milk and will increase in output, become more white, and thin out a bit.
When can colostrum be expressed?
Ideally start expressing colostrum as soon as possible after birth if your baby can’t or won’t latch. The sooner the better!
Breast milk is quickly and easily digested by your baby so be sure to keep expressing and feeding them on demand, at least 8-12 times every 24 hours.
THIS cool little gadget is the ONE product we recommend each new breastfeeding mama has. It’s affordable and helps you build up your freezer stash super quick!
Can I express colostrum before birth, while still pregnant?
Some mothers can! This technique is called antenatal hand expression and involves expressing colostrum in the final few weeks of pregnancy.
It’s also referred to as “colostrum harvesting.”
Mothers are normally advised to wait until around 37 weeks before starting this process and all should reach out to their healthcare providers before expressing colostrum before birth.
The practice is not recommended for those at risk of preterm labor or other risk factors such as placenta previa because hand expression can stimulate contractions in some women.
What to do with expressed colostrum…
Collect the colostrum into a clean container like a small cup and use a medicine dropper or syringe to store.
Encourage your baby to feed by giving them the expressed drops of colostrum by using the dropper or even a spoon.
Our 3 FAV Breastfeeding Products
🌛 1. This nursing bra is the absolute BEST for breastfeeding at night. It’s super comfortable and made of the softest material ever. You’ll want to wear it forever to sleep in, even after you’re done breastfeeding.
💪 2. Boost supply and tone up postpartum. Milk Dust is protein powder made just for breastfeeding moms. It nourishes and tones postpartum bodies (and contains milk boosting ingredients too!) Get 10% off Milk Dust using the code MILKOLOGY at checkout
🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.
Related Article: Colostrum Harvesting: Pros and Cons
