Colostrum & Breastmilk Expressions

Colostrum and breastmilk expressions in the first weeks are precious and should be given to your newborn in the first two months! Why? Because earlier milk has more caloric and lipid content. The protein content of fresh milk decreases after 2 months in the freezer.

This exact topic was studied by Tanriverdi et al. 2019. In this study, it was found that breast milk that is expressed in the early weeks of life should be fed to the newborn within the first two months. This seems obvious with nursing at the breast. But often moms collect ,in a Haaka, the milk from the other side and then freeze it for later.

Unless you have an oversupply, this breastmilk really needs to be given to the baby at that feeding, especially if the baby is having issues with low transfer at the breast. Babies need to nurse from both sides, during each feeding in general.

So, relax about building your freezer stash of milk when it comes time to returning to work! Feed the baby both sides each time and if you are going to give a bottle, use the oldest milk first.