Hand expressing help

[twinkletoes14]

Hi Ladies,

Am 40 weeks pregnant and just tried hand expressing for the first time. I could only get some drops of colostrum from one side though. Do you think I just need more practice? Or should I be able to get some from both sides straight away? Any advice appreciated. Thanks xx

 

[kanga]

You'll only get a drop or two at first. Keep doing it regularly and it will build up. It seems fruitless at first but after a day or so you'll get more. Maybe 2ml per session.

 

[twinkletoes14]

Hi Kanga,

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm just concerned it was only one side and hoping that doesn't mean there is a problem with the other side! But like you say, perhaps I just need to build it up? xxx

 

[Izzie74]

To get anything is very good indeed. My baby is now 5 days old, must get new ticker, and milk is in. In the hospital I was hand expressing into a syringe and rejoicing at every dr.op. I was having a hard time and taking 40 mins to get 2ml by day 3. Dr ordered formula top ups. Home now, more relaxed, with a handheld manual pump and formula only when necessary and things are looking up.

Persevere if that is what you want to do. Good luck!

 

[FarmMom]

I stink at hand expressing and barely get anything. I woukdn't worry about it.

 

[Izzie74]

I stink at hand expressing and barely get anything. I woukdn't worry about it.

So do I and I hope I didn't give a different impression. Had bf team with me for 5 hours one day.

 

[twinkletoes14]

Thanks ladies

 

[noon_child]

I hand expressed in hospital after my LO's birth and got a whopping…wait for it…0.6ml. Yes just 0.6ml, and 2hrs later 0.4ml. This was after my baby had been born, so I think to get anything when pregnant is good. They only have tiny tummies at first so tiny drops go a long way.

Izzie74, I would have loved 2ml in 40minutes!

 

[Izzie74]

I hand expressed in hospital after my LO's birth and got a whopping…wait for it…0.6ml. Yes just 0.6ml, and 2hrs later 0.4ml. This was after my baby had been born, so I think to get anything when pregnant is good. They only have tiny tummies at first so tiny drops go a long way.

Izzie74, I would have loved 2ml in 40minutes!

I was Also on the 0.something mls trying to fill a tiny syringe for a day too. Every point increase is a celebration

 

[kanga]

Day 1 I got 0.2ml a time. Day two was about double. Day 3 I was getting at least 1ml a time. Your baby's isn't even born yet and your milk won't come in until after. What you're getting now isn't a reflection of what may happen after birth

Also don't listen to the "I can't express or I'm rubbish at expressing". It's a knack that anyone can grasp. And that everyone who has to grasp, does.