This thick first milk produced by soon-to-be moms before and immediately after giving birth is packed with nutrients and antibodies to protect little ones from infections, making it a key part of their growth in those early days.
So if colostrum is so valuable, it s only natural to wonder if you can or should pump your liquid gold either while pregnant or immediately postpartum to make the most of this brief window? We asked experts to explain. An image of a woman holding a breast pump.
Image zoom Should You Pump Colostrum While Pregnant?
Pumping colostrum before birth can be a particularly tempting idea, especially if your breasts are feeling uncomfortably engorged or if you want to have a little bit stored away for the future. Also, some pregnant women notice that their breasts leak colostrum in the days leading up to birth (and why put that first milk to waste?!).