Expressing pre-natal colostrum is an important step to ensure that the milk glands are activated effectively and that the baby has milk to eat, enhancing resistance right after birth.
The new trend of expressing colostrum before birth has only been popular in Vietnam for a decade. Before that, because scientific knowledge about newborn baby care has not been updated and many old folk concepts, many mothers have lost the most valuable milk source for their babies.
Colostrum (Colostrum) is the first line of breast milk released within the first 3 days after childbirth. It has a thick, opaque yellow color and is produced in late pregnancy. Colostrum is a very special natural milk. Although the amount is small, the nutrition is very high.
Colostrum is high in protein, full of essential vitamins and minerals. Low in fat, so children can easily absorb it.
In particular, colostrum has growth factors, immune factors and antibodies that other types of milk do not have. Your baby will be protected for healthy development.
That is why a baby who gets its mother's colostrum right after birth is healthier than a baby who is not fed colostrum.
Colostrum and milk 2-3 days after birth
For mothers who are in good shape and confident that they will have colostrum for their babies after giving birth (usually mothers who gave birth before), the prenatal colostrum step may not be needed.
But in many cases, Dr. Nhi encourages mothers to express colostrum to ensure that their baby is provided with this wonderful source of nutrients right from the moment of birth.
So if the mother:
- Planning to have a cesarean section
- Have diabetes during pregnancy
- Mother predicts that the body will release very little milk (from previous nursing)
- There are problems with nipples and breasts such as mother's nipples short, indented, and flat
Then mothers should consult about expressing colostrum before birth, as a preventive step for children right after birth.
Expressing pre-natal colostrum from 35 weeks onwards is suitable for mothers with no health problems during pregnancy
The uterus will function in 2 periods:
In the stationary period (before 37 weeks), the uterus will not respond to stimulating activities such as nipple massage, sex or nursing.
Dynamic period (after week 37). At this time, the sensitive and stimulating activities have the effect of secreting new hormone oxytocin, helping the uterus contract to prepare for the birth process.
A study of a group of 600 women in Australia published in The Lancet in 2017 found that there was no sign of an increase in the rate of preterm birth with mothers performing prenatal colostrum.
Therefore, doctors often advise that, if the mother does not have any risk of complications during pregnancy and health is stable, it is completely possible to perform prenatal colostrum .
For mothers who have given birth many times, colostrum usually appears from 16-20 weeks onwards.
Meanwhile, mothers who are pregnant for the first time or 2 times, colostrum will appear later, about 28-32 weeks.
Antenatal colostrum is usually done from 35-36 weeks onwards, when the expected time of delivery is near and the amount of colostrum has also increased significantly.
Below are specific steps for expressing prenatal colostrum for pregnant mothers.
To help the body form milk secretion reflexes, stimulate the milk to return.
During the bath, the mother should clean the nipples. This is also a natural massage to prepare breasts for lactation.
Gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Use only mother's hands to express milk, absolutely do not use a breast pump because the amount of milk is very small, using it does not bring any effect, but it can also cause a headache. Mom should squeeze each 5-7 minutes is enough.
The prenatal colostrum will consist of 3 basic steps: placing hands - holding fingers and expressing milk
- Place thumb above areola and index finger under areola, about 3cm - 4cm away from nipple feet (thumb, nipple and index finger in line)
- Press and hold the fingertips fixed on the skin, press against the chest wall.
- How to squeeze: Squeeze two fingers towards the nipples to squeeze gently.
- Use a reclaiming cylinder Because each time colostrum shows very little, about 5-7 minutes, the mother should stop and store it in the cooler.
- During the day, the mother can squeeze 2-3 times, until the evening, put it in a sterilized small glass bottle and store it in the freezer.
After milking, colostrum can be kept in the refrigerator's cooler for a minimum of 24 hours (if the cylinder is kept straight in the cooler) and up to 48 hours (in the storage box), depending on how. store mother's milk.
You can store colostrum in the freezer for 4-5 weeks, usually from 35 weeks until your baby is born (40 weeks).
Express colostrum 2-3 times / day before birth and then accumulate in the freezer
On the day of delivery, remember to bring colostrum containers (need to keep in a cold storage box or dry ice).
When the mother is born, put it in the water at a temperature of 40 degrees C. Each time, only feed the baby 5-7ml because the baby's stomach is still very small and eat from 1-1.5 hours / time.
One thing that mothers should also note that, if the mother's lactation is not as effective as expected, it should not be too worried. Psychological comfort will be the most important determinant of future child-rearing.
Breastfeeding is best for mothers, and there are not many other solutions for newborn babies to grow and develop.
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Expressing pre-natal colostrum is an important step to ensure that the milk glands are activated effectively and that the baby has milk to eat, enhancing resistance right after birth.
