Everyone that knows me knows how much I love antenatal expressing, but I also want everyone to understand the importance of when and how it should be used.
Why? Because if it’s not used properly when your baby is born it can actually affect your milk supply.
Say WHAT??
Let’s start from the start.
Antenatal expression of the breast can start after 37 weeks gestation, but should always be discussed with your healthcare provider before starting.
Colostrum is produced from 16 weeks gestation by a hormone called prolactin. But another hormone in pregnancy is high called progesterone which prevents the next stage of lactation (milk coming in).
When the placenta separates from the uterus (placenta delivered) that progesterone hormone drops, allowing a shift in hormones and for the breasts to start to produce milk, this can take 48-72hrs (2-3 days).
Why is it important to know that?
Because what you express ANTENATALLY does not determine your long-term milk production, or bring your milk in faster when your baby arrives.
Read that again.
So please don’t be disheartened if you only get one drop.
And ideally, if everything is well post-birth and your baby attaches well to the breast, antenatal expressed colostrum won’t be used. But we know sometimes that’s not always the case.
So why express antenatally then?
Hand expression is a fantastic tool to learn in pregnancy in a stress-free environment it is also a great way of 1) getting to know your breast, as most women actually don’t touch their breasts a lot. This allows you to understand the structure of your breast and what they feel like. 2) If you are able to collect any colostrum it’s a great resource to have then in regards to preventing formula supplementation if it were to be mentioned.
So when should you use your antenatal expressed colostrum?
- If you are separated at birth
- If you have Gestational Diabetes and your baby needs just a bit more to maintain blood sugar levels
- Baby not latching
- Baby having trouble maintaining temp, burning too much energy
- Baby not able to directly feed at the breast
- Sleepy
When shouldn’t you give antenatally expressed colostrum?
- To let you rest (sorry)
- To make baby sleep longer
If you do choose to give antenatally expressed colostrum, please remember to stimulate the breasts via hand expression to mimic that feed and let your breasts know they still need to produce milk.
Why?
Because the only way your body knows to produce milk is off stimulation (sucking or pumping) and milk being removed from the breast. Ideally your baby in the early days will get direct breastmilk 8-12 or more times in 24hrs, for long-term successful milk production.
Learning how to express antenatal can also assist you with mastering the technique before your baby arrives, so if you need to hand express when your baby is here you already know the skill.
Expression of the breast can also be useful post-birth if your baby is having trouble:
- Attaching to the breast
- Isn’t feeding well
- Relieve engorgement
- Forget your pump
If you have a collection of colostrum and your baby doesn’t need it you could save it in the freezer for when someone in your family is unwell, it is so rich in antibodies. Or you could bathe your baby in it or use it on your baby’s skin to help heal nappy rash or skin problems.
Want to learn more about the magic of breastfeeding?
Book a 1:1 consult with me, Midwife Mel, to learn all the nitty gritty to set you up on your breastfeeding journey.
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