Discuss antenatal hand expression with your doctor or midwife before starting.
Antenatal hand expression is removing colostrum from breasts during the last month of pregnancy. Colostrum that is hand expressed and stored during the end of pregnancy can be used to supplement those newborns who may need it. All pregnant families considering antenatal hand expression should speak to their prenatal care provider prior to initiation. Your prenatal health care provider will be able to further assess if antenatal hand expression is appropriate. Prenatally, the amount of colostrum expressed varies greatly. Some women do not express any and this is normal. Any amount collected can be stored and given to the baby once they are born if needed.
