The volume of early milk expressed, specifically colostrum, varies significantly depending on individual maternal factors and gestational age at delivery. Colostrum, the first milk produced, is rich in antibodies and vital nutrients. Therefore, the amount obtained prior to or shortly after birth is a key consideration for newborns. An example of this consideration involves prenatally expressing small quantities of colostrum from 36 weeks gestation to potentially supplement the infant after birth, should breastfeeding challenges arise.
Sufficient early milk availability offers benefits, bolstering the infant’s immune system and providing essential growth factors. Historically, while expressing early milk wasn’t always a standard practice, its value is now increasingly recognized. Early provision supports the infant’s gut health and can reduce the need for formula supplementation, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
