Can you pump colostrum before birth

While there can be short-term benefits to newborn babies from being fed colostrum expressed before birth, no one has studied if there are any longer-term benefits. By stimulating their nipples and expressing milk while pregnancy, women could bring on regular contractions of the womb and give birth early. This is because nipple stimulation leads to an increase in the hormone oxytocin , which plays a role in both milk let-down and contraction of the womb.

Another concern is that stimulating the nipple and the increased contractions could reduce blood flow to the womb. So, expressing while pregnant is not recommended when the foetus is not growing well, or has other medical conditions such as macrosomia excessive weight , or there is too much fluid in the womb.

Our study results, published today in The Lancet, found that expressing while pregnant is safe for women with diabetes in low-risk pregnancies in late pregnancy from around 36 weeks. After studying over women, we found no increase in early births or admissions to neonatal intensive care.

Before our trial, researchers had only run three small studies of expressing colostrum while pregnant, and no randomised trials for women without diabetes. See all in Life as a Parent. See all in Video. You might also like You might also like. How can I express breastmilk by hand? I have gestational diabetes. Will I still be able to breastfeed my baby? Get the BabyCentre app. Brazil Canada Germany India. Connect with us. If you are pregnant and still breastfeeding or expressing for another child, pumping should not cause preterm labour in a healthy pregnancy.

Many mums continue to provide breastmilk for their child while pregnant with their next one. Always discuss antenatal hand expression with your midwife or obstetrician first to check if it is a good option for you and your pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, discuss this further with your midwife or obstetrician to create a plan for you and your baby. If you have been advised to antenatally express your milk, your health care provider will show you how to hand express and provide you with an instruction and collection kit.

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Events overview News overview. Quick Links What is colostrum and why is it important? Why should I consdier antenatal expressing? When can I start expressing? Expressing and collecting colostrum Transporting colostrum to hospital What happens after the birth of my baby? These include women: who have had low milk supply in the past who have problems with breast growth with polycystic ovarian disease who have had breast surgery in the past with multiple sclerosis who have had medical assistance to conceive.

What is colostrum and why is it important? Colostrum is a fluid which is produced by the breasts from about the 20th week of pregnancy and during the first few days after the birth of your baby. Colostrum may look dark yellow to clear; it can also be quite thick and sticky. Colostrum is easily digested and the best first food for your baby. Colostrum is specially made for your newborn baby.

It is very high in protein that helps protect your baby from illness. There are also vitamins, minerals and salts which help protect your baby from dehydration in the early days.