In plain words
Antenatal colostrum expression means collecting a small amount of by hand or pump before birth. Colostrum is the thick first milk, rich and small in volume. Some people collect it in late pregnancy to have on hand, or to talk about with their provider. Research on whether it changes breastfeeding outcomes is limited and mixed. Some studies find it is safe in uncomplicated pregnancies. Some clinicians advise against it when there is a risk of . Providers usually want to know about preterm labor, bleeding, or a before it is considered. Choosing not to do it is common and normal.
The deeper version
Antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) involves hand or pump expression of colostrum in late pregnancy, typically from about 36 weeks in trials. Trials and reviews rate the evidence as low quality and have found no clear effect on exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Nipple stimulation can cause uterine activity, which is the basis for caution in pregnancies at risk of preterm labor. The controversy concerns whether the small possible benefit justifies routine counseling, and whether ACE should be restricted in higher-risk pregnancies.
Where it comes up
- Feeding prep: what nobody tells you while you're pregnantGetting Ready for Birth
- Hand expression and collecting colostrum before birthFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about antenatal colostrum expression
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- Forster DA and colleagues, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Antenatal hand expression of colostrum for improving breastfeeding (2016)