Quick answer
You can use the Elvie Stride to express colostrum, but collect it with the Colostrum Collection Kit's syringes or spoons rather than the pump's bottles to avoid waste and ensure safe storage.
Why use a separate collection kit for colostrum?
Colostrum is thick and comes in small amounts—often just teaspoons per session. Pumping directly into standard bottles can leave precious drops stuck to the sides, making it hard to feed your baby. The Colostrum Collection Kit's syringes let you collect every drop and store it in the exact portion your newborn needs.
Another reason: colostrum is nutrient-dense and valuable, so minimizing waste matters. The kit's step-by-step guide, developed with lactation consultants, walks you through safe collection and storage—no guesswork when you're already tired.
When to start expressing colostrum
Many parents start hand-expressing or pumping colostrum around 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, but always check with your healthcare provider first. If you're using the Elvie Stride, start with the lowest suction setting and increase gradually—your breasts may be more sensitive during pregnancy.
After birth, colostrum transitions to mature milk within a few days. The kit is designed for those early days, so you'll switch to regular pumping once your milk comes in.
Step-by-step: collect colostrum with Elvie Stride and the kit
- Set up your pump and collection kit: Wash your hands and sterilize all pump parts and kit supplies. Assemble the Elvie Stride according to the manual, and have the kit's syringes or collection containers ready. Check that all parts are dry before assembly to prevent bacterial growth.
- Choose the right suction level: Start with the lowest suction setting on the Elvie Stride. Increase slowly only if you feel no discomfort. Colostrum is thick, so you may need a few minutes to see droplets. Pain is a sign to reduce suction—never push through discomfort.
- Collect colostrum directly into the kit: Instead of pumping into bottles, use the kit's syringes to draw colostrum from your nipple or from the pump's breast shield after a session. This minimizes waste and keeps portions small. If using the pump's collection cup, tilt it slightly to pool the colostrum for easier collection.
- Store colostrum safely: Transfer collected colostrum to the kit's sterile containers or syringes. Label with date and time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Always use the oldest stored colostrum first—check labels before feeding.
- Clean everything immediately: Rinse pump parts and kit supplies in cold water, then wash with warm soapy water and sterilize. Dry thoroughly before next use. Set a cleaning routine right after each session to avoid buildup.
Products that help
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Colostrum Collection Kit: Developed in collaboration with lactation consultants, this kit includes supplies and a step-by-step guide for safely collecting and storing first nutrient-rich breast milk. It gives you the tools and confidence to collect colostrum correctly, even if your baby arrives earlier than planned.
Colostrum Collection Kit
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Elvie Stride: Hospital-Grade Electric Breast Pump: Elvie Stride delivers hospital-grade performance with -300 mmHg suction in a portable, hands-free design. Its adjustable suction lets you express colostrum gently, while the hands-free design keeps you comfortable during frequent early sessions.
Elvie Stride: Hospital-Grade Electric Breast Pump
