If you're thinking about pumping before giving birth, you can start expressing around week 36 of your pregnancy. Before you start, you need to know how to express yourself and what to look out for during the process. This guide will go over the details of when to express, the benefits of expressing before giving birth, and some tips.

What Is Colostrum, And Why Is It Important?

Colostrum is the first milk secreted after the birth of a baby. It is rich in nutrients and antibodies, which is very helpful for the growth and health of newborns. Secondly, colostrum contains a large amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as high concentrations of antibodies, especially immunoglobulin A, which can effectively protect newborns from infection.

Additionally, colostrum can promote the development of the newborn's digestive system, naturally help eliminate excess bilirubin in the body, and prevent jaundice. And help the intestines and other important organs grow healthily. Therefore, doctors usually recommend that mothers start breastfeeding immediately after giving birth, so the baby can take in nutritious colostrum as soon as possible, laying a solid foundation for the baby's healthy growth.

What Are the Benefits of Expressing Colostrum Before Delivery?

1. For the Mother

• Practice and Comfort: To express colostrum before giving birth, mothers can practice hand expressing, which can help them be prepared when they need to express milk again, whether to return to work or to control breast engorgement.

• Reducing Engorgement: Not only does pumping reduce the risk of postpartum breast engorgement, it can also make breastfeeding more comfortable.

• Boosting Confidence: Knowing that her body is capable of producing milk and nourishing her baby can increase a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed.

2. For the Newborn

• Immediate Nutrition: Prepared colostrum provides immediate and essential nutrition to a newborn, and can help a mother who has trouble breastfeeding.

• Rich in Antibodies: Colostrum is high in antibodies, so having colostrum prepared ensures that the newborn receives immediate immune protection benefits, which is very helpful for premature or low birth weight babies.

• Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: Colostrum regulates blood sugar levels in newborns after birth and can also prevent hypoglycemia, which is very helpful for babies born to mothers with diabetes.

How to Collect Colostrum Using a Pump

For many mothers, using a breast pump to collect colostrum is a practical method when they are preparing to return to work, are breastfeeding, or want to store colostrum for their newborn. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a breast pump to collect colostrum:

1. Choosing the Right Time

It is generally recommended to start expressing after the 36th week of pregnancy, as colostrum is formed at this time. Expressing at this stage can reduce the risk of premature birth. However, before you start expressing yourself, always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that you are safe for your health.

2. Selecting the Right Breast Pump

Before you start pumping, you need to choose a breastfeeding product that suits your needs - a breast pump. You can choose a manual breast pump or an electric breast pump. Manual breast pumps give you more control over the suction and are suitable for sensitive breasts or breasts with low colostrum secretion. Electric breast pumps are convenient and efficient and come with a breast milk collector, which is especially suitable for use when your milk flow is heavier. Whichever type you choose, make sure the breast pump shield fits your nipple size to prevent discomfort or injury.

3. Preparing Yourself and the Pump

Before you start, wash your hands and all parts of the breast pump that come into contact with your milk. Then find a quiet and comfortable place to help you relax before expressing. Because tension can hinder milk flow. Therefore, you need to stay relaxed to express yourself smoothly.

4. Starting to Pump

Position the breast shield correctly so that it forms an effective seal around the nipple and the nipple is centered. Then start with a low suction setting and gradually increase the suction as needed. If you feel pain, stop expressing it immediately and adjust the suction or the position of the shield. If this doesn't work, it is recommended that you consult a lactation consultant.

5. Collecting Colostrum

Initially, you may only collect a small amount of colostrum, so you need to be extra patient or express yourself regularly. Regularly expressing can help your body develop a rhythm and gradually increase milk production. When you are done expressing, collect the milk in a milk storage bag and label it with the date and time of the expression.

6. Proper Storage

If you want to use the colostrum within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for a long time, freeze it immediately, which will keep it safe for several months. Therefore, you need to prepare a container such as a milk storage bag specifically for storing breast milk.

7. Thawing and Using

Thaw the colostrum slowly in the refrigerator or place the container under warm water. Note: Avoid microwave heating, as this may destroy important nutrients. Also, shake the container gently before use to mix the contents.

8. Consulting Healthcare Providers

Keep in close communication with your healthcare provider throughout the process, especially if you experience any discomfort or questions. A professional lactation consultant can provide valuable support and guidance to help solve any problems you may encounter during the expression process.

Tips to Increase Breast Milk Before Baby Is Born

Here are some tips to help increase your breast milk production before your baby is born, so you can express your milk better:

• Proper Nutrition: To start expressing before birth, you need to maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Foods known to increase milk supply, such as oats and almonds, as well as staying well hydrated, can provide the necessary nutrients for milk production.

• Frequent Breast Stimulation: Gently stimulating the breasts can prepare the breasts for milk production. This can be done through massage or using a breast pump, starting around week 36 of pregnancy, but only with the approval of your healthcare provider.

• Relaxation and Stress Management: You need to relieve stress as it can reduce milk production. Techniques such as prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help maintain a calm and relaxed state that is conducive to milk production.

• Consult a Lactation Consultant: Seeking advice from a lactation consultant before your baby is born can provide you with personalized strategies to increase milk production and ensure you are ready after your baby is born.

• Regular Checkups: Attending all prenatal checkups is important to monitor and address any health issues that may affect breastfeeding, such as hormonal imbalances or potential infections.

Conclusion

The above article explains how to safely express colostrum before your baby is born and some precautions. As well as the correct way to express, store, and use colostrum, you will be ready to breastfeed and provide your newborn with the important nutrients and antibodies that colostrum provides.

Related reading: How to Use a Breast Pump?