The Magic of Colostrum: Why I Started Collecting Before Baby + What I’ve Learned
As baby’s due date gets closer, one of the most empowering things I’ve added to my third trimester routine is colostrum collection — a small but mighty step in preparing for those precious first feeds.
Before I dive into how I collect or what’s worked for me, let’s talk about what this liquid gold actually is — and why it’s so incredibly special.
What Is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk a woman’s body produces during pregnancy and right after birth. It’s thick, golden, and full of concentrated nutrients. It’s often called “liquid gold” for a reason — it’s packed with:
Immunity-boosting antibodies
White blood cells
Proteins
Vitamins and minerals
Growth factors that support baby’s gut and immune system
It’s the perfect first food for your baby. It coats their intestines to protect against germs, helps establish a healthy gut microbiome, and even acts as a natural laxative to help clear meconium (that first black poop). You only need small amounts — just a few milliliters can go a long way in those early hours and days.
Why Collect It Before Birth?
While it’s absolutely okay to let colostrum come naturally after baby is born, some choose to express and store colostrum before birth — especially if:
Baby may need extra support (due to gestational diabetes, low birth weight, etc.)
You want a backup plan in case of delayed feeding or latch issues
It’s beautiful to have on hand, just in case.
My Personal Colostrum Collection Journey
I want to share this part because I know how easy it is to compare, to question, and to wonder if you’re “doing it right.”
I wasn’t able to start collecting until halfway through week 38.
For a while, nothing came out. That’s normal! But now I’m collecting about 5–7 ml per session, 3 times a day, which adds up to around 15–28 ml daily.
Here’s what I believe has helped:
Prioritizing protein (whole foods and smoothies)
Staying hydrated with electrolyte drinks like LMNT, Liquid I.V., etc.
Using warmth: I apply the Frida Mom heat packs 15 minutes before expressing to encourage letdown
How to Collect Colostrum: Step-by-Step
What You’ll Need:
Clean hands + a relaxed, cozy space
Small, sterilized collection cup (shot glasses or silicone catchers work!)
Labels + a pen
Ziplock bag or container for freezer storage
Optional: warm compress (I use Frida Mom heat packs)
Prep:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Apply heat to your breasts for 10–15 minutes to encourage letdown. A warm compress, heat pack, or warm shower can help.
Hand Expression:
Use your thumb and fingers in a “C” shape a few centimeters behind the nipple.
Gently press back toward the chest wall, then compress forward toward the nipple.
Repeat rhythmically — it might take a minute or two for the first drops to appear.
Collect into a small sterilized cup or directly into a spoon if you prefer.
Time per session:
I do about 10 minutes per breast, switching sides halfway through.
If nothing comes out right away, don’t stress — letdown can be slow at first.
Storing It:
Use a sterile 1 ml syringe to draw up the colostrum from your collection cup.
Cap the syringe, label it with the date and time, and place it in a ziplock bag or container.
Store in the freezer, ideally in the back where it’s coldest.
Pro tip: Store small amounts in several syringes rather than one large batch — that way you can thaw only what you need later.
Ways You Can Use Colostrum After Birth
Whether you end up exclusively nursing or bottle feeding, collected colostrum can come in handy:
Supplement baby if they’re struggling to latch or need extra energy in those early hours
Support blood sugar levels, especially if you had gestational diabetes
Offer via syringe or spoon if bottle feeding isn’t possible yet
Soothe baby’s skin (some dab it on baby acne, cuts, or diaper rash — it has natural healing properties!)
Relieve sore nipples — yes, for you! A little dab can promote healing
It’s one of those things that seems tiny — but can make a big impact.
A Gentle Reminder to Other Mamas
If you’re not able to collect colostrum — or if nothing is coming out right now — please don’t be discouraged.
Every body is different. Every timeline is different.
Some collect at 37 weeks, others don’t collect at all. Some get drops, others get milliliters. Keep in mind it’s not recommended to attempt to collect until at least 37 weeks as it can cause early contractions. This is not medical advice just my personal experience. Be sure to consult with your physician.
All of it is normal. All of it is enough.
Your body will do exactly what it’s made to do for your baby.
Collecting colostrum doesn’t predict how your breastfeeding journey will go — it’s simply one tool in the toolbox. If it feels right for you, amazing. If not, you’re still doing the most important job: growing and loving your baby.
Whether you’re collecting 1 ml or 20, or just learning what colostrum even is — you’re doing incredible work. Trust your body. Trust your baby. And take it one day (and one drop) at a time.