Should I Express Antenatally? Here's What You Need to Know

Have you heard of antenatal expressing?

It’s the practice of hand-expressing and collecting colostrum - your body’s amazing first milk- before your baby is born. Sometimes called “liquid gold,” colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies that protect your baby in their first days earthside.

And here’s the thing: antenatal expressing isn’t just for mums with complications - it can benefit everyone (unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise).

Whether you’re a first-time mum or already have little ones at home, learning about antenatal expressing is a proactive way to prepare for postpartum and early breastfeeding.

What Is Antenatal Expressing?

Antenatal expressing involves hand-expressing colostrum from your breasts during late pregnancy and collecting it in small syringes or sterile containers to freeze for after birth. These small drops can be used if:

• Your baby needs help with early feeds

• Breastfeeding is delayed

• Your baby requires extra care in the hospital

• You’re managing health conditions like gestational diabetes

Think of it as a little insurance policy a way to feel prepared, supported, and confident in your feeding journey from the very beginning.

Who Should Consider Antenatal Expressing?

While anyone can choose to express antenatally, it’s especially beneficial for mums who:

✔️ Have gestational diabetes
✔️ Have been told their baby is measuring small or has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
✔️ Had previous challenges with early breastfeeding
✔️ Expect their baby may need special care after birth
✔️ Want to feel more confident and prepared

Even if none of the above apply, expressing colostrum can still be an empowering experience. It helps you get familiar with your body and gives you a tool to ease feeding in those early, often unpredictable postpartum hours.

Why Express Before Baby Arrives?

Top Benefits of Antenatal Expressing

✨ 1. Helps with early blood sugar regulation
If your baby is at risk of low blood sugar (especially with gestational diabetes), having a stash of colostrum ready to go can support them immediately after birth - sometimes avoiding formula supplementation.

✨ 2. Prepares you for breastfeeding
Hand expressing before birth gives you a chance to practice the technique and become comfortable with your body. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and improve outcomes if you need to express after birth.

✨ 3. Reduces pressure in the early days
Sometimes, the first breastfeed doesn’t happen straight away. Maybe your baby is sleepy, unwell, or you’re recovering from a long birth. Having your own colostrum on hand can help bridge the gap without added stress.

✨ 4. Boosts your confidence
You’re doing something proactive for your baby before they even arrive. Many mums find this incredibly empowering, especially when so much of birth and postpartum feels out of their control.

✨ 5. Supports oxytocin production
Hand expressing releases oxytocin - the “love hormone” - which can help soften your cervix and support your body as it prepares for labour.

✨ 6. Strengthens your baby’s immune system
Colostrum is rich in antibodies and protective factors. Giving it to your baby - whether directly through breastfeeding or via expressed colostrum - helps build their gut health and immune response from day one.

When Can You Start Antenatal Expressing?

Most people begin antenatal expressing around 36–37 weeks gestation, once they are considered full term and their body feels ready.

🩺 Important: Always check with your midwife or doctor before you begin. Antenatal expressing is not recommended in certain situations (such as risk of preterm labour), so it’s important to get the all-clear first.

Will It Affect My Milk Supply or Baby?

Nope! 🤱🏼

A common myth is that expressing antenatally might “use up” your colostrum or affect your milk supply. But that’s not how it actually works.

👉🏼 Your body continues to produce colostrum right up until your baby is born.
👉🏼 After your placenta is delivered, your body naturally (and slowly) transitions to producing mature breastmilk.
👉🏼 Expressing antenatally simply collects what your body is already making - it doesn’t take anything away from your baby.

How Much Colostrum Should I Express?

This is where I want to reassure you:
There’s no “right” amount.

Everyone is different. Some mums collect several syringes in a session, while others get just a few drops. Some don’t collect anything at all - and that’s okay too.

💡 Did you know?
About 1 in 4 people that try don’t express any colostrum antenatally, even with correct technique. The amount of colostrum that you are able to collect antenatally has no correlation with how much milk you’ll make after birth.

Any amount you are able to collect is a win, every drop counts.

How to Express Antenatally

Here’s a quick overview (and remember - your midwife or lactation consultant can guide you through this too):

1. Wash your hands and get comfy.

2. Gently massage your breasts to stimulate oxytocin and milk flow.

3. Use clean hands to express a few drops of colostrum into a sterile syringe or cup.

4. Label and freeze each syringe with the date (and your name if planning to take to hospital).

5. Bring them with you to hospital - stored in a freezer-safe bag with an ice pack.

Need step-by-step guidance of exactly how to express? That’s covered in the Beyond Birth Course too!

No Pressure - This Is Optional 💕

Just like everything in motherhood, antenatal expressing is optional. You’re not a better or worse mum for doing it or not doing it.

Some people love the idea. Others find it overwhelming. Some try and don’t get anything. Some choose to focus on rest and other forms of preparation - and that’s okay too.

The best preparation for postpartum is one that feels right for you. And there are many ways to support your baby’s feeding journey with love, care, and confidence.

Want More Support as You Prepare for Baby?

Antenatal expressing is just one small piece of the puzzle.

If you want a practical, empowering way to feel prepared - not just for birth, but for the early weeks after - The Beyond Birth Course is your next step.

It includes:
✅ Breastfeeding and newborn feeding support
✅ Postpartum recovery plans
✅ Practical ways to reduce the mental load
✅ Realistic education and tips for navigating the early weeks - covering all things newborn care, feeding, recovery from birth and postpartum mental health.

👉🏼 Explore the Beyond Birth Course here

Whether you express or not, breastfeed or use formula, exclusively pump or breastfeed or do a mix of it all - your experience matters. And with the right tools, you can walk into postpartum feeling more calm, confident, and prepared.

I'm here for you,
Tam xx