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Recognizing colostrum as a precious nutritional source for newborns, as it contains numerous nutrients supporting the optimal development of the immune system. Hence, many expectant mothers choose to express colostrum early for storage.
However, improperly expressing colostrum can lead to premature birth or have negative implications for the health of both mother and baby.
Diverse Techniques of Colostrum Expression:
Typically, expectant mothers express colostrum around weeks 32-34 of pregnancy, using cylinder tubes or breast pumps to extract and store colostrum in sterilized bags for refrigeration.
In reality, the initial practice of colostrum expression was adopted by mothers with gestational diabetes. Infants born to mothers with diabetes often require an additional amount of colostrum to counteract the risk of low blood sugar. Storing pre-expressed milk ensures prompt supplementation for infants after birth, aiding in stabilizing their blood sugar levels and overall health.
In addition, mothers with conditions such as fetal heart disease, a family history of allergies to components in breast milk, or mothers diagnosed with insufficient milk supply may face challenges.
Therefore, if expectant mothers are in good health, expressing colostrum is unnecessary as it may pose risks of preterm birth and adverse effects on both the baby and mother's health.
Risks of preterm birth when expressing colostrum:
During pregnancy, the breasts become more sensitive, especially the nipples that are more prone to stimulation. Stimulation in the breast area can cause strong uterine contractions, making pregnant mothers more prone to preterm birth. This is why doctors often advise pregnant women to avoid vigorous rubbing of the chest during bathing and intimate activities.
If expressing colostrum becomes necessary:
- If mothers are compelled to express colostrum due to physical conditions, it is advisable to consult a specialized medical professional for the procedure instead of attempting it at home. Incorrect squeezing and pressing can have long-term effects on the mother's mammary glands.
- It is recommended to express colostrum around the 36th week of pregnancy, not too early.
- When storing milk for the baby, mothers must ensure hygiene and cleanliness to prevent contamination.
Therefore, maternal health during pregnancy is of utmost importance. Expecting mothers should pay strict attention and seek advice from medical professionals, avoiding unreliable information online that may pose risks to both mother and baby.
To preserve breast milk optimally in the refrigerator, mothers should use breast milk storage bags to maintain the best milk quality.
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