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Hand expression is a valuable and easy skill to master during breastfeeding, becoming simple and effective with practice.
Colostrum expression during pregnancy 🤰🏼
Colostrum expression during pregnancy 🤰🏼
Colostrum production begins in the first trimester, but it is advisable to wait until around 37 weeks to start expressing. Consult your healthcare provider, as certain conditions may make antenatal expression unsafe. Collecting colostrum beforehand can boost your confidence in milk production, and hand expression is a useful skill post-delivery.
Colostrum storage
Colostrum storage
You can store and freeze your colostrum in food-safe containers or syringes. Some birthing facilities may assist in keeping your colostrum frozen during your stay, or you can bring your own cooler bag. Be sure to use thawed colostrum within 24 hours.
Colostrum expression after baby arrives
Colostrum expression after baby arrives
In the days following birth, expressing colostrum offers extra nutrition for your baby and aids in stimulating breast milk production. You can express some after a feed to help signal to your body to produce more. Colostrum can be given to baby by spoon or syringe which is especially helpful if baby struggles with breastfeeding or if separation occurs.
How to hand express 👋🏻
How to hand express 👋🏻
Wash your hands.
Place your hand around your breast in a “C” shape.
Press your finger and thumb in towards your ribs (about 1-2 inches away from the nipple).
Squeeze gently and catch your milk in the cup, syringe, spoon, etc.
Relax your hand releasing the breast.
It may take a few minutes before you see any colostrum. Your baby only needs around one teaspoon at each feed. Ask a nurse or lactation consultant to help express and feed your colostrum to your baby. Using your hands is more effective than an electric pump because colostrum can be very thick and sticky and get stuck on the pump parts.
Lactation consultants are here to help!
Lactation consultants are here to help!
Lactation consultants can assist you with antenatal hand expression and support you in feeding your baby after birth. Reach out to arrange an appointment.
Resources
Resources
Information on hand expression
Expression of colostrum - video
Hand expression of milk - video
Haakaa Silicone Colostrum Collection Set
Download and save my Hand Expression of Colostrum infographic as a quick reference!
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