What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your body produces during pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. It’s thick, golden, and incredibly nutrient-dense—often called “liquid gold.”
Even small amounts of colostrum provide powerful immune protection and essential nutrients for your newborn.
How much colostrum does a newborn need?
One of the biggest surprises for new parents is just how little colostrum babies need in the early days.
- Day 1: ~5–7 mL per feed (about a teaspoon)
- Day 2: ~5–15 mL per feed
- Day 3: ~15–30 mL per feed
Your baby’s stomach is tiny at birth—about the size of a cherry—so these small volumes are completely normal and enough.
How to collect colostrum
Colostrum is usually collected using hand expression, rather than a breast pump.
Simple steps
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Gently massage your breast
- Use your fingers to compress behind the nipple
- Collect drops into a sterile syringe or container
Many mums begin collecting colostrum in the final weeks of pregnancy (with guidance from their healthcare provider).
How to store colostrum safely
Because colostrum is produced in small amounts, it’s often stored in syringes or small containers.
Storage guidelines
- Room temperature (≤ 26 °C): up to 4 hours
- Refrigerator (≤ 4 °C): up to 24 hours
- Freezer: best stored as soon as possible if not used
Always label each syringe or container with the date and time expressed.
Tips for storing colostrum
- Store in small portions to avoid waste
- Keep syringes in a sealed container or zip bag
- Place milk at the back of the fridge or freezer
- Avoid repeated warming and cooling
How to use stored colostrum
Colostrum can be:
- Fed directly via syringe
- Added to a spoon or cup
- Used to supplement feeds if needed
To warm, place the container in warm (not hot) water. Avoid microwaving.
When might storing colostrum be helpful?
- If you’re planning ahead for birth
- If baby may need extra support after delivery
- If you have gestational diabetes or other medical considerations
- If you want peace of mind going into the early days
What happens after colostrum?
Colostrum gradually transitions into mature breast milk over the first few days after birth.
As your supply increases, storage needs often shift from syringes to larger volumes—and eventually to freezer storage.
If you’re planning ahead for longer-term storage, you can explore how to preserve your milk here: Freeze-Dried Breast Milk in Australia
The bottom line
Colostrum may come in small amounts, but it delivers a powerful start for your baby. Knowing how to store it safely—and understanding how much your newborn actually needs—can help reduce stress in those early days.
