Hand expressing colostrum and storage

[MissMara]

Hi ladies..

I've started hand expressing some colostrum to prepare for the big day.. Just want to share experiences with other women maybe doing the same or any ladies have any advice to give? I've turned to using a spoon to help me collect in to the syringe! I'm barley getting 0.5ml per expression (both breasts) is this normal???!!

I just started today and plan on keeping the syringe in the fridge for 2 days before freezing.. Hopefully should build up a nice collection for baby
Thanks in advance xoxox

 

[SparklesHeart]

I've never bean able to get anything out before the birth (this is baby no4) expressing can stimulate your uterus to contract so not sure you're meant to do this before being full term?

 

[2have4kids]

This is my first, just curious MissMara, were you getting leaky boobs with your first pregnancy? If so, at what point? I guess I need to go out and get some breast pads at some point even if it's for after baby comes.

 

[bundle4me]

I agree with sparklesheart it will cause your uterus to contract as mine has like crazy since feeding baby it gets quite painful at times. Speak with your doctor about it for advice as to if it's safe x

 

[amelia26]

I was always under the impression that is not advised before 37 weeks for reasons stated above.

I am planning to do a bit from 37 weeks as I am leaking anyway, so I may as well make use of it. I didn't have anything before birth with my first baby.

 

[DoubleTFun]

I have had two breastfed babies, and I've never heard of expressing before giving birth. Definitely doesn't seem like the best idea due to causing the uterus to contract. I would definitely speak to your physician, and it doesn't hurt to ask the breastfeeding forum what their thoughts on it is.

 

[mum140381]

i never get a drop before baby s born x

 

[jodspods]

I've not started doing this yet but I'm meeting a breast feeding support worker next week to discuss. I am only doing it as there's a chance a spinal won't work for my c section (baby is breech) and I may need a general therefore DH will syringe feed the baby. I wouldn't be doing it otherwise!

 

[spicyorange]

Can I ask why?

 

[amelia26]

Reasons I'm planning to do it are because last time I struggled a lot in the first week to get baby latched at all. So I relief on expressing and syringe feeding. But I didn't have enough and used a bit of formula too until we got the hang of feeding.
Since I'm leaking anyway I figure it won't hurt to collect it and have a bit extra if needed. And if it's not, no harm


The other reason is because baby has some health issues and will need to be separated from me for tests after the c section, so hubs can give her the syringes.
There's also going to be a bit of stress over feeding as it will be closely monitored to look out for signs of volvolus of the bowel. I know stress doesn't help the milk flow, so having some back up won't hurt.

 

[wishfulone]

I have not heard of doing this either and I am very leaky already. I do not suggest doing this, but if you feel comfortable with it, that would be your own choice. The 'milk'/'colostrum' you are getting now isn't as nutrient rich as it will be after the birth of the baby- but again, maybe it will work out for you. Please be safe in doing so either way!

 

[WW1]

Some women with gestational diabetes have been advised to do this to support baby's blood sugars after birth. It's not advised until full term though as far as I know. I'll be asking my consultant at my next appointment.

 

[MissMara]

i was given the tools to hand express by my midwife, and she has told me I could start whenever or if I didn't want to do it I didn't have to.. The colostrum is just a back up for if anything goes wrong. If the baby doesn't latch, the syringe full of colostrum will fill their bellies and settle them so that we can try again. It is also used if there are any health issues with the baby and we are unable to feed at all.. I would rather give the baby colostrum than formula, so it's good to have the back up. Colostrum is just as nutritious for the baby now as it is after they are born..

I don't really leak, but not all women do. We start producing colostrum at 26 weeks I believe, some women get lots and can leak and some women get nothing until baby is born.. We are all very different

I may not even use the strings, and I hope that I don't have to, it's just a back up.. My uterus doesn't contract At all during expression, and I have been told that you will only go preterm if you were already at risk. I am not at risk of preterm and have had a very healthy pregnancy so far.

I'm so surprised so many women had never heard of it or never done it. I am from Australia and all of my friends that have recently had babies are either given tools to hand express if they wish, or at least have the discussion with their midwife..

I might be doing it a little early, you are advised to start at 36 weeks, I am 34+4 haha!

 

[MissMara]

Just wanted everyone to know that the more I expressed the better it got. I got 3mls over 2 days!

Make sure you talk to your midwife before expressing colostrum before birth, and if you do decide to express, I suggest collecting the drips in a spoon and then sacking up in a syringe, made it much easier! Never keep the syringe in the fridge for longer than 48hrs. Collect what you can ( express 3-4 times a day, for 5 mins each breast) and after 2 days place.what you have collected in the freezer to take to the hospital when you go in to labour.

If you do get cramps when hand expressing, don't continue to express.. I got no cramps at all.

Hope I've been more helpful! Xx

 

[jlw617]

i was given the tools to hand express by my midwife, and she has told me I could start whenever or if I didn't want to do it I didn't have to.. The colostrum is just a back up for if anything goes wrong. If the baby doesn't latch, the syringe full of colostrum will fill their bellies and settle them so that we can try again. It is also used if there are any health issues with the baby and we are unable to feed at all.. I would rather give the baby colostrum than formula, so it's good to have the back up. Colostrum is just as nutritious for the baby now as it is after they are born..

I don't really leak, but not all women do. We start producing colostrum at 26 weeks I believe, some women get lots and can leak and some women get nothing until baby is born.. We are all very different

I may not even use the strings, and I hope that I don't have to, it's just a back up.. My uterus doesn't contract At all during expression, and I have been told that you will only go preterm if you were already at risk. I am not at risk of preterm and have had a very healthy pregnancy so far.

I'm so surprised so many women had never heard of it or never done it. I am from Australia and all of my friends that have recently had babies are either given tools to hand express if they wish, or at least have the discussion with their midwife..

I might be doing it a little early, you are advised to start at 36 weeks, I am 34+4 haha!

This! I won't start until I'm almost 37 weeks but being that I tend to go early anyways and this time around I have GD so I would rather play it safe and have it on hand in case he needs it...again, think about how many women use nipple stimulation to try to go into labor to only have it fail...many times your body will simply not do what it's not ready to do

 

[AP]

It's not something I'd personally recommend or do unless I was advised.

I know when we were in neonatal it was only ever suggested if there was the potential of a medical issue/stay.

I know you say you're fine because your not at risk but, neither was I and I had a 27 weeker just one day with no warning or reason. That kinda thing can happen to anyone.

I'm glad you have consulted a midwife and I would hope anyone considering does the same too.

 

[CrazyMumma]

I've had this chat with my midwife. I am going to start in a few weeks time.

For me, I am having a c section (potentially under general as the anaesthesiologist may not do a spinal as my backs munted). Only time I had an operation I was meant to be there for the day and I was there for three. The operation look 3 hrs instead of 45 mins and I spent 12 in recovery semi conscious with shockingly low blood pressure. If that happens again I don't want baby having any formula so need a decent supply stored just in case.

If done safely then I don't see a problem - obviously if you have any contractions then stop right away but if not then why not express