When you’re preparing for a new baby, there’s no shortage of advice—some helpful, some overwhelming. One topic that’s received a lot of attention recently is colostrum collection before birth. You may have heard it referred to as “liquid gold,” and while it’s true that colostrum has powerful benefits, you don’t need to stress about collecting it before your baby arrives.

Let’s break down what’s helpful to know and what you can safely take off your to-do list.

What Is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the first form of breast milk your body produces—thick, nutrient-rich, and full of antibodies to help protect and nourish your baby in their first days of life. It may begin leaking from the breasts during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

This can lead many moms to wonder: Should I be collecting it now?

There is a growing trend among new mothers to collect and store colostrum before birth, often driven by social media, online groups, or well-meaning advice. While early collection can be helpful in specific situations—such as if a baby is expected to be born prematurely or may need time in the NICU—it’s not necessary for most women.

Trying to collect colostrum early can often create more stress than benefit, especially when you’re already managing everything else from installing the car seat to prepping the nursery.

“I would tell all my new moms: just take a breath and take that off your plate right now.” – Katie Shannon, MD.

Another essential reason to pause: Stimulating the nipples before 37 weeks is not recommended. Why? Because nipple stimulation can trigger preterm contractions, potentially putting both you and your baby at risk if they’re not yet full-term.

Unless you’ve spoken directly with your provider and been advised otherwise, it’s best to avoid any colostrum collection or breast stimulation before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

The good news? Your body is designed for this. In most cases, once your baby is born, your milk supply will naturally increase in response to your baby’s needs, giving you the confidence that you can provide for your baby.

And if you do encounter any challenges with breastfeeding or milk production, remember that a skilled lactation consultant is just a call away. Whether it’s a supply concern or questions about the latch, you’re not alone. Support is readily available to guide you through those early days.

“Once baby comes, that production is going to shoot through the roof in most cases.” –  Katie Shannon, MD.

For most moms-to-be, there’s no need to collect colostrum before birth, especially if you’re only leaking small amounts. You’re not doing anything wrong by waiting, and in fact, you might be doing the right thing for your mental health and your pregnancy.

If you do have a high-risk pregnancy or a baby expected to need extra care after delivery, your provider will walk you through a plan that’s right for you.

At Women First, we understand the immense pressure new mothers can feel—even before the baby arrives. Our advice? Trust your body. Trust your care team. And remember, it’s okay to ask questions. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re unsure about breastfeeding, colostrum, or what to expect postpartum, we’re here to support you every step of the way.