The very first time a mother holds her baby to her breast, something shifts. It’s raw and pure. There’s a hush in her mind as her baby latches — small lips, tiny hands, a heartbeat against hers. And then, quietly, nature’s first promise flows: colostrum.
This thick, golden first milk is more than just food. It’s a mother’s first gift to her baby’s new world — tender, protective, and powerful. This liquid gold carries hope, strength, and protection in every drop.
That’s why knowing how to collect and store colostrum safely can make all the difference, especially in those first fragile days.
This article features expert insights from two leading voices in maternal and infant care.
Dr. Charles M. Carlsen, a distinguished OB-GYN and Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Drsono, combines over 20 years of clinical and technical expertise with advanced training from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His guidance brings unparalleled depth to understanding modern colostrum collection, storage, and infant nutrition practices.
Adding to this expert perspective is Theresa Moutafis, a trusted Lactation Consultant at Aeroflow Breastpumps, whose hands-on experience with breastfeeding mothers offers practical, real-world advice on optimizing early feeding success.
What is colostrum?
Colostrum, often called liquid gold, is the first milk your body produces around 36 weeks of pregnancy and during the first days after birth. Rich in white blood cells and antibodies, this thick, yellow milk helps build your baby’s immune system and protect your baby from infections.
Small amounts of colostrum are perfectly normal. It is enough for your baby’s tiny tummy in the first days. Whether you’re planning ahead or need to pump early, knowing how to store colostrum properly is essential.
How to store colostrum?
You can collect colostrum by hand expressing it into a sterilized syringe or small sterile container. Many moms prefer syringes because they’re perfect for storing small amounts of colostrum and feeding directly to your baby.
Once you express colostrum, put the syringe or container in the fridge if you plan to use it soon, or freeze it for later use. Always label each with the date and time to track freshness.
How long is colostrum good in the fridge?
Freshly pumped colostrum can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Always place it at the back of the fridge where it’s coldest. If you plan to use the colostrum within 48 hours, store it in the refrigerator (ideally 2-4°C or 35-40°F).
Can you freeze colostrum?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing is a great option if you want to build a supply before birth or if you have extra. Frozen colostrum can last up to 6 months in a deep freezer. Ensure your freezer is at a temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower.
When you need it, thaw it slowly by placing the syringe or bag in a bowl of warm water, not hot water.
Can you microwave colostrum?
Microwaving might seem convenient, but it can ruin what makes colostrum so special by destroying its protective nutrients and antibodies.
How long does colostrum last at room temperature?
It’s best not to leave colostrum at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Beyond that, bacteria can multiply quickly, so refrigerate or freeze promptly to reduce the risk of spoilage.
Why does colostrum need careful handling?
Colostrum is sometimes called liquid gold for good reason. It’s rich in living cells like leukocytes (white blood cells), immunoglobulins (especially IgA), growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides. These living components help line your baby’s gut, fight off pathogens, and train the immune system.
However, because colostrum is biologically active, it’s also more sensitive to bacterial contamination than many realize. Warm temperatures can quickly multiply bacteria, which can destroy its protective benefits and pose health risks.
Storing colostrum safely-ideally within 4 hours at room temperature, up to 24–48 hours in the fridge, or up to 6 months frozen-helps preserve its antibodies, immune cells, and bioactive factors so your baby gets the full protective boost nature intended.
What to do with pumped or frozen colostrum?
If you’ve pumped extra, freeze it in labeled breast milk bags or syringes.
Remember, once thawed, colostrum should be used within 24 hours.
Some moms also ask if frozen colostrum is good for a sick baby? Yes, it’s incredibly beneficial. The nutrients help boost your baby’s immune system when they need extra support.
When colostrum is thawed and frozen again, it may lose quality, separate in texture, and carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Hence, refreezing is not recommended.
However, if the colostrum is partially thawed (still has ice crystals), it can be refrozen.
Can frozen colostrum be given to older babies or even toddlers during illness?
According to Dr. Carlsen, “You can thaw frozen colostrum and serve it to older babies or toddlers when they are sick. Its immunity-boosting abilities are still useful long after the newborn phase.”
What are the lesser known benefits of colostrum for newborns and mothers?
“In addition to supplying a newborn with a surge of immunity, it helps ripen the lining of their gut fully, reduce the risk of jaundice, and promote healthy microbiome development,” Dr. Carlsen said, “For moms, pumping colostrum pre-birth can even help stimulate supply and prevent later engorgement.”
Also, Theresa Moutafis, Lactation Consultant at Aeroflow Breastpumps added, “one lesser-known benefit is that it helps babies pass their first stool, which may lower the risk of jaundice.”
Storage tips to keep in mind
- Always use sterilized syringes or breast milk bags.
- Label everything with date and time.
- Freeze in small amounts of colostrum to avoid waste.
- Never refreeze thawed colostrum.
- Use thawed colostrum within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Colostrum is packed with living cells, antibodies, and white blood cells that build your baby’s immunity and line their gut with protective factors. Feeding colostrum, fresh or frozen, helps protect your baby from infections in those critical early days.
Learning how to store colostrum properly is a wonderful way to prepare for your baby’s arrival and ensure they get every drop of this precious liquid gold. When in doubt, talk to your lactation consultant for more details to express and store colostrum safely.
Sources:
- La Leche League. “Colostrum: General”
