How to hand expressing colostrum

Learn how to perform hand expression to collect colostrum before your baby is born and to support your milk supply after birth

As your pregnancy nears its end, something magical starts happening in your breasts. They start producing a special fluid called colostrum from your 2nd trimester onward. It’s yellowish in color and some people even call it "liquid gold" because it's super potent and filled with special

A quick video demonstration showing how to hand express colostrum after birth.

When to Hand Express: In the first 3-4 days after the birth of your baby hand expressing your colostrum (the first milk) for a few minutes after each feeding will provide extra stimulation for your breasts which helps to stimulate your overall supply. If your baby is not feeding well in the beginning hand expressing breastmilk is especially important. You can give your baby the expressed drops of colostrum (using a dropper spoon or small medicine cup) to encourage your little one to…

Mackenzie, RN | Pregnancy • Birth • Babies on Instagram: "Expressing colostrum with @haakaausa ’s collection kit 💧 🤱 When to Start? Ideally, you can start collecting colostrum after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting. Why Collect Colostrum? •Rich in Nutrients & Antibodies: Colostrum is packed with proteins, vitamins, and antibodies, providing essential nutrition for your newborn. •Helpful to have if supplementation is needed if baby…

Knowing how to hand express breastmilk is a must for breastfeeding parents. Sometimes it's even more effective than pumping! Here's how to do it and when it might be a good idea.

Calica on Instagram: "How to collect colostrum. Colostrum is super rich in nutrients and antibodies and has so many benefits! I didn’t do this for my first baby and it took a little while for my milk to come in. My first baby had trouble gaining weight the first couple of days/weeks of life and I’m hoping having this extra supply before hand can help support my next baby’s growth in her early days of life in addition to naturally boosting her immunity! (Breastfeeding essentials in my Amazon…

If you would like to learn the what, why, how, and benefits of breast milk hand expression, read this blog post.

When we first met our midwife at our OB’s office, she ran us through what would happen roughly week-by-week of the pregnancy. When she hit 36 weeks, she explained it would be time for me to begin “massaging my breasts” in preparation for milk, and if possible, collect colostrum. I had two reactions: I laughed, ... Read more