What is colostrum harvesting?
What is colostrum harvesting and… do you need to do it??
When you get pregnant you suddenly start hearing LOADS of new words which at first are completely meaningless – like colostrum harvesting!
Sounds a bit dodgy but let me explain what it is, and you can decide if it’s right for you.
Colostrum is the very first milk your body makes, starting at around 16 weeks pregnant!
It’s a rich yellow colour, it’s very thick (not runny like milk) and it’s packed full of antibodies and nutrients which are specifically ideal for newborns in their first days.
Colostrum harvesting is collecting your colostrum from your breasts (from about 36 weeks pregnant), and storing it in the freezer ahead of your baby’s arrival.
You collect the colostrum by gentle massaging and compressing your breasts, and drop by drop, rich yellow colostrum is released.
It can take a while to get the hang of it, and don't expect vast amounts!
Babies only consume tiny amounts of colostrum so it's not made in big volumes. Once you've got the colostrum in the syringe, it's best stored in the freezer.
People harvest their colostrum for a number of reasons:
They’re not planning on breastfeeding but want their baby to have their colostrum
They’re worried they may not produce milk when baby is born, so they want reserves just in case
They’re having a caesarean birth and are worried this will affect their milk production
In case of emergency such as baby and birthgiver being separated straight after birth
They’re donating to another baby
To practice hand expression
They just want to!
It's best not to harvest your colostrum if:
You're at risk of going into premature labour. The nipple stimulation produces Oxytocin which may increase your chance of going into labour early.
You don't want to! Don't feel pressured just because you know others who have done it. It's a personal choice.