Collecting Colostrum: What Lactation Consultants Want You to Know
Collecting Colostrum: What Lactation Consultants Want You to Know
With all the 鈥渉ow to鈥 health advice videos flooding social media feeds, it鈥檚 becoming harder to separate fact from fiction. This confusion is especially common when it comes to pregnancy tips鈥攍ike the increasingly popular practice of harvesting breast milk before birth.
Mother's first milk, medically known as , is a nutrient-rich substance that starts coming in around the 16th week of pregnancy. In certain cases, health care providers may recommend collecting colostrum before birth.
鈥淐olostrum harvesting is a personal practice that can be helpful for mothers who have struggled to breastfeed their first child,鈥 says Jessica Clayton, RDN, CDN, IBCLC, lactation consultant at 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淗owever, I encourage parents to reach out to a prenatal lactation specialist for a consultation to make sure this is something they should be doing.鈥
Myth 1: You Must Collect Colostrum in Abundance
When it comes to social media trends, everything must be done in abundance鈥攁nd sadly, this pertains to colostrum harvesting. Clayton notes that many of her patients feel overwhelmed by the unrealistic expectations set by influencers who proudly showcase rows of vials. Yet before you start following suit, please be aware of the health risks of excessive colostrum collection.
鈥淥ver-collecting can set off hyperlactation, in which milk production exceeds your baby鈥檚 needs,鈥 Clayton says. 鈥淭his misguided approach can also lead to nipple damage, which can be very painful.鈥
In reality, mothers only need to produce five to seven milliliters (about the size of a teaspoon) of breast milk per feeding within the first 12 to 24 hours. So, contrary to the eight ounces of breast milk recommended by mommy influencers, your baby鈥檚 tiny tummy requires just a modest supply until your mature milk typically arrives around day three.
Here's a visual of your baby鈥檚 stomach over the course of a month:
- Day One: Size of a cherry
- Day Three: Size of a walnut
- One Week: Size of an apricot
- One Month: Size of a large egg
聽Myth 2: Colostrum Harvesting Is Vital for High-Risk Pregnancies
Online chatter鈥攍argely sparked by a 鈥攈as led many to believe that women with high-risk pregnancies should begin collecting colostrum to prevent future breastfeeding challenges. If that advice makes your blood pressure spike, take heart: the recommendation specifically applies to women with diabetes, not to all high-risk pregnancies.
鈥淭his study went viral on TikTok, causing people to think that everyone, especially women with health risks, should be collecting colostrum,鈥 Clayton says. 鈥淭his recommendation applies specifically to women with diabetes and is not recommended for everyone.鈥
Myth 3: A Lack of Colostrum Foreshadows Breastfeeding Problems
One of the most persistent myths is that collecting colostrum guarantees an easy breastfeeding journey. This false narrative can sow unnecessary fear and self-doubt, leaving new mothers feeling unprepared.
鈥淚f you're unable to collect colostrum, and you're worried you may not produce milk, please know that this is simply untrue,鈥 Clayton says. 鈥淐olostrum production does not directly correlate to successful breastfeeding.鈥
Beyond these three debunked myths, Clayton notes that prenatal health still holds many unanswered questions鈥攍argely due to limited research in the field. One area of concern is colostrum collection via pumping, which some practitioners believe could trigger early contractions. While this outcome appears unlikely, Clayton stresses that more evidence is needed to confirm or rule out the risk.
鈥淭here is very little evidence that shows using a breast pump causes early contractions due to stimulation,鈥 Clayton says. 鈥淏ut whether you鈥檙e using a pump or hand expression, it鈥檚 important to see a lactation specialist to learn safe techniques that won鈥檛 cause injuries or pain.鈥
Finding Resources and Support
Clayton encourages expectant parents to connect with their care team early in pregnancy, laying the foundation for a safe and healthy prenatal experience. She takes pride in her work at 麻豆学生精品版, where patients can benefit from a wide network of specialists, education programs, and resources tailored to their unique needs.
鈥淲e鈥檝e recently launched an individualized care plan that allows expectant mothers to meet with their lactation team during pregnancy,鈥 Clayton says. 鈥淭hese visits can be requested as part of prenatal care, helping to build a supportive 鈥榲illage鈥 before the baby arrives.鈥
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