Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting: Helpful Skill or Hidden Pressure? E10
Shownotes
Antenatal colostrum harvesting.
Some call it essential. Others call it unnecessary pressure.
In this episode, Katie and Joh unpack the nuance — without extremes.
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant, IBCLC's sit down for an unplanned, cuppa-style conversation about antenatal colostrum harvesting — and quickly discover that while their opinions are strong, they are surprisingly aligned.
They explore how colostrum harvesting has evolved from a targeted strategy for mothers with gestational diabetes to something increasingly promoted to the wider pregnant population. Katie reflects on how social media, online kits, and pressure to “prepare properly” can strip the nuance from what is meant to be a gentle, curiosity-based skill.
Joh shares how she approaches the conversation in prenatal consults: as an opportunity for a breastfeeding mum to learn how to handle her breasts confidently, without urgency or expectation. The focus is not on stockpiling syringes, but on familiarity, technique, and understanding how the body works while the placenta is still in place.
The episode also addresses common concerns, including why using a pump in pregnancy is not recommended, and the important distinction between curiosity and rigidity. Katie and Joh discuss the second night feeding frenzy, how small amounts of expressed colostrum can sometimes support maternal well-being, and why larger volumes may interfere with the natural frequency that brings milk in.
Throughout the conversation, they return to the same core principle: context matters. Technique matters. Personality matters. And above all, nuance matters.
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why colostrum harvesting moved beyond gestational diabetes
The difference between curiosity-based practice and pressure
Why using a pump in pregnancy is not recommended
How placenta hormones affect milk production before birth
Why technique may determine whether colostrum appears
The second night feeding frenzy and how small volumes may help
How large antenatal stores could potentially interfere with early feeding frequency
The importance of tailoring advice to each breastfeeding mum’s personality and capacity
Need More Support?
Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties
Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals – Course for birth professionals
katiejames.site
The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums and parents
katiejames.site
Instagram:
Katie: @katiejameslactation
Johanna: @milkandmotherhood
YouTube: The Latch Revolution
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Editor’s Note:
During this conversation, Katie misquoted the proportion of women in the DAME trial who collected zero colostrum antenatally. The correct figure is approximately one in four. We have added a brief in-episode clarification to ensure accuracy.
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.
Keywords:
antenatal colostrum harvesting, colostrum expression in pregnancy, DAME trial colostrum, gestational diabetes breastfeeding, hand expression technique pregnancy, placenta and milk production, second night feeding frenzy, breastfeeding preparation pregnancy, hand expressing colostrum before birth, breastfeeding confidence antenatal