Premature Mothers Milk - Colostrum for Premature Babies

We have known for a very long time the importance of colostrum to all newborn infants.  However, studies published in the recent past suggest that colostrum produced by mothers of premature infants contains considerably HIGHER concentrations of immune-globulins and other protective elements than colostrum of mothers having delivered full-term infants.  In fact, they suggest that the earlier a baby is born prematurely, the greater the concentration of protective elements found in its mothers colostrum.   Not surprising.  It is yet another testament to how our bodies naturally protect our babies, regardless of gestational age!

More important than ever is the need to express colostrum for our prematurely born infants, even if we do not plan on breastfeeding!  While it is important to note that manual (hand) expression remains advisable, technology in mechanical expression (electric breast pumps) has risen to a new level of precision in facilitating the production and collection of colostral milk.  Here at Missouri Baptist, in accordance with the World Health Organization, we recommend that all babies receive their mother’s milk as soon as possible in the days following birth.  So much so, in fact, that we’ve just purchased 20 new State-of-the-Art, hospital-grade electric breast pumps (Medela Symphonies) to add to our already sizeable fleet!  Due to the newest technology, mothers of premature and full-term babies alike will have pumping regimes designed specifically to their pumping needs.  Our lactation consultants, post-partum and NICU staffs are pleased to be at your service.  Our goal is to help you and your baby get off to the best possible start!

Calling All Babies – Expressing the Need for Colostrum

As some of you know, I am a strong advocate of the veterinary model of healthcare management when it comes to birth and early infant feeding, regardless of one’s species! Anyone who breeds cows, horses or other mammals will tell you how important it is for a newborn to receive colostrum, a mother’s very first milk. Loaded with antibodies, colostrum protects an infant from harmful environmental bacteria and viruses. To this end, farmers who raise cattle will immediately coax a newborn calf to its mother, skin-to-skin with her udder. Knowing the serious health consequences of not receiving species-specific colostrum as soon as possible after birth, veterinarians and zoologists will take extraordinary measures (like milk expression and alternative feeding methods) to ensure that a newborn receives its mother’s first milk. In the animal world, it is well-recognized that health, and even survival, is greatly influenced by receipt of this amazing liquid. Although artificial baby milks may be formulated for some species, illness and healthcare costs are significantly higher for those that must be “hand raised” (formula fed).

Human infants are no different. Infants not having received colostrum are four times more likely to become ill and require hospitalization during the first year of life than their human-milk-fed counterparts. Often called baby’s “first immunization,” colostrum provides passive immunity to a newborn because it is so rich in antibodies. In addition to immune factors, colostrum has an amazing ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, far better than formula. This is extremely important to a newborn infant, especially those who may have had a stressful birth, been born prematurely or delivered by a diabetic mother.

Like farmers and veterinarians, We too can ensure that our babies receive colostrum as soon as possible after birth. In cases where baby can be placed directly at the breast, skin-to-skin after birth, we certainly should do so. If not, let’s hand express and spoon- or syringe-feed this liquid gold to our newborns (see blog on hand expression). Our babies deserve the very best, so let’s let advocate for them by behaving like a bunch of animals!

Hand Expression of Milk

Over the course of my career I have been privileged to observe hundreds of mothers happily breastfeeding their infants AFTER having had early and/or significant challenges with breastfeeding. In other words, breastfeeding doesn’t always get off to an easy start. However, with expert clinical assistance, time, patience and determination, most breastfeeding issues can be resolved. In the interim, expression of mother’s milk may be necessary to ensure a baby’s receipt of breast milk. When a baby is unable to or has trouble with attachment (or latching), it’s highly recommended that the mother begin pumping with a hospital-grade electric pump as soon as possible after birth. Pumping technology has advanced to the point that mothers can maintain a milk supply for months and even years. However, manual (hand) expression is still considered to be the most effective means of expressing colostrum, mother’s very important first milk. Hand expression of milk may also be helpful later when managing breast engorgement (another discussion for another day). Using the thumb and index finger in a systematic method of breast compression, we are often able to collect significant amounts of this thick, rich colostral milk for our babies. Spoons, syringes, feeding tubes or even tiny cups may be used for feeding this liquid gold to our little ones. I have included this link for step-by-step instruction of hand expression of colostrum, which you may find extremely helpful:

Hand Expression Video - Stanford University

Whether or not hand expression becomes necessary in the early days of breastfeeding, I recommend that all breastfeeding mothers develop the propensity to perform this handy maneuver. You never know when your breasts will express their need for some relief! Happy expressing!