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Perth, Australia – An increasing number of expectant mothers are turning to antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) as an alternative to formula feeding during their hospital stays, according to new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU). Around half of pregnant women in Perth are now opting for ACE, a practice that has garnered attention for its potential health benefits and its role in enhancing breastfeeding confidence.
ACE involves hand-expressing colostrum—the first form of breast milk—during the final weeks of pregnancy. Any colostrum that can be collected is stored and frozen for use in the hospital if necessary, providing an alternative to formula feeding for newborns who need supplementary nutrition.
“Colostrum is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ because of its rich, yellowish color and its high concentration of vital developmental and immunological nutrients,” explained ECU Associate Professor Therese O’Sullivan, who led the study. “For newborns, colostrum is the perfect first food, packed with antibodies that help protect against infections.”
Typically, colostrum is produced in the first few days following birth, before transitioning to mature breast milk. The thick, nutrient-dense fluid plays a crucial role in supporting a newborn’s growth and immune system, offering critical nourishment while the baby masters the complex skills of breastfeeding.
O’Sullivan’s research highlights how ACE has evolved in popularity over time, making a comeback as more women look for ways to support breastfeeding and reduce reliance on formula. It has become particularly important for mothers of high-risk newborns, such as those with diabetes, preterm infants, or babies with oral issues like cleft lip or palate, who may require supplemental feeding to regulate blood glucose levels.
“With ACE, mothers can ensure that their newborns have access to their own natural colostrum instead of formula, which is often used in these situations to increase blood sugar levels quickly,” O’Sullivan noted. “This practice not only promotes the baby’s health but also helps build confidence in breastfeeding.”
Despite the growing interest, O’Sullivan points out that while ACE is safe for most low-risk women starting at around 36 weeks of pregnancy, its impact on long-term breastfeeding success remains inconclusive. Research is ongoing in this area, but initial findings suggest that ACE may not significantly influence breastfeeding rates beyond the early days after birth.
However, ACE is seen as a valuable tool in building a mother’s breastfeeding confidence, particularly in cases where colostrum may not be easily expressed. The skill of hand expressing is encouraged as a helpful practice, regardless of whether colostrum is collected antenatally.
O’Sullivan stressed the importance of providing support to pregnant women to reduce anxiety about the process and ensure that colostrum is used appropriately, particularly in hospital settings. She emphasized that the role of antenatal colostrum is part of a broader strategy to promote breastfeeding and provide individualized care for both mothers and their newborns.
“Women should be reassured that learning how to express colostrum antenatally can be empowering and beneficial,” O’Sullivan said. “However, it’s equally important to create an environment that supports women, especially if expressing colostrum isn’t possible, ensuring a smooth transition to breastfeeding after birth.”
The findings from O’Sullivan’s research were published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society in 2024. For more details, visit the full study titled A brief history of antenatal colostrum expression, and where to from here.
Contact:
Therese A. O’Sullivan, Edith Cowan University
DOI: 10.1017/S002966512400483X
