Why You Need a Colostrum Collection Kit

You've decorated the nursery and packed your hospital bag, but have you thought about getting a colostrum collection kit ready for when your new baby arrives?

What is colostrum?

Often called liquid gold, colostrum is the very first milk your body produces. It's rich in antibodies, proteins and essential nutrients that help support your baby's immune system and provide important nourishment during the first few days of life. 

Although only tiny amounts are produced, colostrum is perfectly designed to meet the needs of your newborn. 

Why do you collect colostrum before birth?

Some mums choose to hand express and collect colostrum during the final weeks of pregnancy. Having a small supply stored can be a great back up plan if feeding doesn't go exactly as planned after birth.

Stored colostrum may be helpful if:

* Your baby has difficulty latching in the early days
* Your milk takes a little longer to come i
* Your baby needs additional feeding support after birth
* Mum and baby are separated for medical reasons

While not every mum will need stored colostrum, having it available can offer valuable peace of mind. Check in with your healthcare practitioners to check it's right for you. 

Why use a colostrum collection kit?

Colostrum is produced in such small quantities, collecting every precious drop can be tricky without the right equipment. A colostrum collection kit provides everything you need to collect, store and transport colostrum safely and hygienically.

A colostrum kit can include:

* Sterile syringes for collecting small amounts of colostrum
* Collection cups to make expressing easier
* Syringe caps and labels for safe storage
* A reusable storage container to keep everything organised
* A reusable heat pack to gently encourage milk flow and make expressing more comfortable. 

One of the biggest surprises for new mums is just how little colostrum is produced. This is completely normal. Your baby's tummy is tiny in those first few days, so even a few millilitres of colostrum can provide valuable nutrition and immune support.

Don't be discouraged if you only collect a few drops at a time because every drop counts.

Whether you end up using your stored colostrum or not, many pregnant mums appreciate the reassurance of knowing it's there if needed. 

SHOP COLOSTRUM KITS

You might also like to read: 

Your Hospital Bag Checklist

Postpartum Essentials