Colostrum is the first, most concentrated form of breast milk, commonly referred to as “liquid gold.” It is rich in antibodies and immune factors that help protect your baby. Your body may begin producing colostrum as early as 12–18 weeks in pregnancy and will continue to make it until your milk transitions 3–5 days after birth.

One of the most helpful reasons to collect colostrum is to be prepared with feeding options in the first few days, regardless of what happens. It can be especially beneficial for moms who:

• Have gestational diabetes
• Are carrying twins or multiples
• Have pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Have a baby who is not effectively latching
• Have a baby who spends time in a special care unit

By collecting colostrum prenatally and freezing it, parents can ensure that, regardless of what happens in the first few days, there is plenty of “liquid gold” to supplement until breastfeeding or pumping can resume.

Anyone with an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy can benefit from collecting colostrum at or after 37 weeks gestation and post-birth before your transitional milk comes in. Always talk to your provider before you begin and only hand-express colostrum.

If you collect prenatally at 37 weeks, it's recommended to practice once a day until your baby arrives. Do not express more than three times in 24 hours. Before delivery, you can expect to produce about 1.5–2 milliliters per session.

Colostrum packs a major nutritional punch for your baby, as a small amount will contain all the nourishment, fat, and immune factors your baby needs in the first several days of their life. For example, in the first 24 hours of your baby’s life, they may receive about 15ml total (about half an ounce) of colostrum.