The recommended amount of colostrum to collect before birth is around 1 milliliter per collection session, with the goal of collecting multiple small amounts over time, especially starting at around 37-38 weeks of pregnancy. It is common to begin by collecting small amounts such as half a milliliter and gradually increase as supply improves. Typically, women collect small amounts, from just a few drops to about a teaspoon (around 5 milliliters) in total over several sessions. Taking at least three syringes of colostrum to the hospital is advised as a backup feeding option. Collection can be done once or twice daily, and relaxed conditions like being warm and comfortable help increase the amount expressed. Each session usually lasts around 5 minutes, expressing from each breast twice during the session. The collected colostrum is nutrient-packed, concentrated, and beneficial even in small quantities for newborns, especially those who may have feeding challenges or low blood sugar after birth.
In summary:
- Start collecting around 37 weeks.
- Aim for about 1 ml per collection.
- Collect once or twice daily.
- Total collected volume may be around 5 ml or more over time.
- Bring at least three syringes to the hospital as backup.
This amount is considered sufficient for the newborn's needs in the first few days, as colostrum is very concentrated and newborns require only small feeds initially.
