Colostrum
is high in carbohydrates, high in protein, high in antibodies, and low in fat
(as human newborns may have difficulty digesting fats). Knowing that newborn
babies have a very small digestive system, colostrum can successfully deliver
its nutrients in a very concentrated low-volume form. Additionally, colostrum
is characterized by a mild laxative effect, promoting the passing of the baby's
first stool, which is called meconium. When meconium is cleared out of the
body, it takes along with it excess bilirubin, a waste pigment or product of
dead red blood cells which is produced in large quantities at birth due to
blood volume reduction, from the infant's body and helps prevent jaundice.

Colostrum
contains large numbers of antibodies called "secretory
immunoglobulin" (IgA); IgA plays an important role in protecting the
mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, and intestines of the infant.

Leukocytes,
or white blood cells, are also present in large numbers, and are useful for
protecting the infant from harmful viruses and bacteria.

Ingesting
colostrum establishes beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Learning how to express breast milk is a process, and becomes
easier each time you practice it. And remember: your baby’s suckling is the
main stimulant of breast milk production.

Milk can be expressed by hand, with a manual pump, or with a
battery-operated or electric breast pump. Hand-expressing of breast milk is not
the easiest option, but it is the most convenient first choice, because there
is no need for extra equipment (and, of course, it costs nothing). You might
want to try this first during a regular breastfeeding, after you have already
experienced a let-down reflex. You can express milk from the second breast
immediately after a feeding with the first, or even during that first feeding
if someone can help you. Some women find that expressing milk when they wake up
in the morning is easiest, since their milk is more abundant then.

To express by hand, first make sure that your hands and
fingernails (preferably short) are clean by washing them with soap and water. You
might even try taking a warm shower just before expressing, or place a clean,
warm, moist towel over your breasts to help you relax and encourage the milk to
let down. Proceed then with massaging your breast slowly, beginning at the
outer zones and moving down toward the nipple. Make sure to massage gently.

Next, place a clean cup or jar beneath the nipple so that the
milk will drip directly into it without touching your hands or your breast.
Position your hand on the areola with the thumb above and two fingers below.
Press back toward your chest, then gently press the areola between your thumb
and fingers and release with a rhythmic motion until the milk flows. Rotate
your thumb and fingers around the areola to get milk from several positions.
Avoid squeezing the nipple or sliding down the breast, since this can cause
bruising.

Transfer the milk into clean, covered containers for storage in
the refrigerator or freezer. If no milk comes out, do not despair and try again
later—but be aware that your let-down reflex may take some time before it
happens, and it may then take up to half an hour at first to sufficiently
relieve both breasts. With practice, you will be able to express breast milk in
a shorter period of time and the amount of milk you collect will increase from
perhaps about 30 mL per session to a full bottle or more.

 Make sure you are always
well hydrated – drink plenty of water, and milk; these are the primary
nutrients needed to produce adequate amounts of breast milk.