Step-by-step to hand expressing

To hand express colostrum you need to:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly first.
  • Apply a warm heat pack or flannel to the breast – this will help to stimulate milk flow.
  • Gently massage the breast, starting from the top of the breast moving towards the nipple – this will help to stimulate the letdown reflex.
  • Use your thumb and fingers above and below the areola.
  • Compress the nipple and release to mimic the rhythm of a baby sucking.
  • Continue to repeat this and the yellowish drops of colostrum will appear from the breast.
  • Hold the collection cup under the nipple to catch the dripping colostrum.
  • Express for no more than 5 minutes and then swap breasts.
  • Repeat so that each breast is expressed twice.
How to store expressed colostrum
  • Ideally freshly expressed colostrum should be drawn up into the syringes immediately.
  • Don't completely fill the syringes, leave a little bit of room at the top to allow for the colostrum to expand while freezing.
  • Label the syringe with the waterproof sticker detailing the date and time of the first expression collected and your name to ensure correct identification.
  • Place the syringe/s into the zip-lock bag before putting into the freezer.
  • Ideally frozen colostrum should be used within three months of freezing but it is acceptable to keep frozen for up to 12 months in a deep freezer (-20 °C).
  • Once thawed, it should be used within 24 hours.
How to warm expressed colostrum
  • Frozen colostrum should defrost in a refrigerator or in lukewarm water
  • Fill your silicone warming cup with warm water (max 40 °C), then add your filled syringe
  • It should only need a few minutes to bring it to body temperature
  • Thawed breast milk left at room temperature should be fed to your baby immediately and discarded within one-two hours.
  • Always check the temperature prior to giving the colostrum to your baby, you do not want it to be hot, you are aiming for body temperature.
Transporting to hospital?

Antenatal expression of colostrum is NOT usually recommended before 36 weeks gestation and NOT recommended if you have a:

  • History or are currently having problems with threatened or actual premature labour
  • Cervical incompetence
  • Suture in your cervix to help prevent preterm labour
Not planning on breastfeeding but would like to collect colostrum to give to your baby before formula is introduced?

The benefits of giving your newborn baby colostrum is well documented and will provide them with their first nourishing feeds. It is easily digested and encourages the early passage of meconium which assists in preventing jaundice. It will help boost your baby’s immunity and line their immature gastrointestinal tract. Beginning with expressed colostrum, even if you do not intend to breastfeed, will provide your baby with the ideal first feeds and complete nutrition and hydration for your baby.

These instructions apply to full term healthy babies. If your baby is premature or unwell please follow the advice given by the hospital and health professionals.
You should stop expressing immediately if you are having contractions at any time.