How to Collect Colostrum: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're in your third trimester, you may have heard other mums talk about collecting colostrum before birth. Colostrum is the first milk your body makes, and it's often called "liquid gold". Some mums like to have a small stash ready for those first busy days after birth.

In this guide we'll walk you through what colostrum is, when to start, how to hand express step by step, and how to store and label what you collect.

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk your breasts make. It starts during pregnancy and continues for the first few days after birth, before your mature milk comes in. It's thicker and more concentrated than later milk, and it usually comes in very small amounts.

Is collecting colostrum right for you?

Collecting colostrum before birth isn't something every mum needs to do. Some mums choose to, and some are encouraged to by their care team. Every pregnancy is different, so have a chat with your midwife or doctor before you start. They can tell you whether it suits you and help you with technique.

When to start

Most mums start from around 36 weeks, after talking with their midwife. A common routine is to express 2 to 3 times a day for about 3 to 5 minutes at a time.

How to hand express colostrum, step by step

Hand expression is usually the go-to method for colostrum because it's so thick and comes in such small amounts. It can take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it's a simple skill that helps you feel more prepared.

Step 1: Relax and get comfortable

Find a quiet spot, get comfy and take a few slow breaths. Feeling relaxed can make expressing easier.

Step 2: Gentle massage

Gently massage your breast in circular motions, starting from the outer areas and moving toward the nipple.

Step 3: Position your fingers

Form a "C" shape with your thumb and forefinger, placing them about 2 to 3 cm behind the areola (the darker area of skin around the nipple).

Step 4: Press, compress, release

Gently press your fingers back toward your chest, then bring them together, then release. Pause for a second or two and repeat in a steady rhythm.

Step 5: Collect every drop

At first you may only see tiny drops, and that's completely normal. Collect them with a clean syringe or small cup.

Step 6: Switch and rotate

After a few minutes, switch to the other side. You can also move your fingers to different positions around the areola.

Step 7: Be patient with yourself

If nothing appears straight away, don't stress. It can take a few sessions before you see anything. Keep sessions short, around 10 minutes per side at most, and be kind to yourself while you practise.

Can you use a breast pump for colostrum?

Hand expression is the usual choice for colostrum, but some mums also like to use a pump, especially:

If hand expression feels tiring or tricky. An electric breast pump can be easier on your hands, and adjustable settings let you find a level that feels comfortable.
If you're planning to combine feeding at the breast with expressed milk later on. Getting familiar with your pump before baby arrives can make that transition smoother. Our guide to building a feeding and pumping routine has more ideas.

Handy tips

Warmth can help you relax. Many mums like to express after a warm shower or with a warm cloth.
Keep sessions short and regular. Shorter, regular sessions are easier to fit into your day than long ones.
Switch sides and move your fingers. Rotating around the areola helps you find what works best.
Look after yourself. Keep a water bottle nearby and eat regular, nourishing meals. Our easy snacks for breastfeeding mums guide has some ideas.

How much will you collect?

Every mum is different. Some see a few drops at a time, others collect a little more. Both are completely normal, and every drop you collect is worth saving.

A stack of syringes with colostrum contained in each of them

How to store colostrum

Because colostrum comes in such small amounts, good storage helps you make the most of every drop.

Use a clean, sterile container. Collect into a sterile syringe or a clean container such as a BPA-free breast milk storage bag, and use a fresh one each time.
Label everything. Write the date and time you expressed on each container. This matters if you're taking your colostrum to hospital.
Transport it carefully. Pop the syringes or containers in a snap-lock bag, wrap them in a clean cloth and place them in a hard cooler with ice packs, with no air gaps. When you arrive, let the hospital staff know so they can put it in the freezer straight away.
Follow storage times. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests:
Up to 6 to 8 hours at room temperature (26°C or lower)
Up to 72 hours at the back of the fridge (4°C or lower)
Up to 2 weeks in a freezer compartment inside the fridge

Talk to your care team

Chat with your midwife, doctor or a lactation consultant before you start collecting colostrum, and check in with them along the way. If something doesn't feel right, talk to your midwife, GP or a lactation consultant.