Colostrum Harvesting

Hands-on preparation for the early hours after birth.

Colostrum is your first milk, a small but mighty substance packed with antibodies, nutrients and everything your newborn needs in their very first feeds. Your body begins producing colostrum from around 16 weeks of pregnancy, and from 36 weeks you can begin gently expressing and collecting it to have a supply ready before your baby arrives.

Having colostrum stored and ready can be incredibly reassuring, particularly if your baby needs a little extra support in the early hours or days after birth.

Who is colostrum harvesting recommended for?

Colostrum harvesting is particularly beneficial if you are planning a caesarean birth, have gestational diabetes or a condition that may affect your baby's blood sugars after birth, are expecting multiples, have had previous breast surgery, are planning to induce lactation, or simply want to feel as prepared as possible before your baby arrives.

It can also be a wonderful way to begin to feel connected to feeding before your baby is even born.

What does a colostrum harvesting session involve?

This is a relaxed, hands-on session where I will guide you through hand expressing, collecting and storing your colostrum so you feel calm and confident doing it yourself at home. We will cover how to express effectively, how to store colostrum safely, how much to expect, and how to use it after your baby arrives.

You will leave feeling informed, prepared and ready to practise in your own time before your due date.

Sessions are available from around 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Where are sessions held? Sessions are available at Rose Clinic in Bray, Co. Wicklow or through home visits across Wicklow and South Dublin.

Fees

Standalone colostrum harvesting session, 30 minutes, €60 Add-on to any antenatal appointment, 20 minutes, €30