Colostrum harvesting

[Sw1234]

Did anyone collect colostrum before baby was born? I've been told to start trying from 37 weeks but my friend was able to collect from 34/35. I've tried today at 35w4d and unable to collect (2nd baby - first had issues feeding and had to move onto formula) would like to try all I can to breastfeed this time

[StarsAllAround]

I asked my midwife when still pregnant about when to try harvesting colostrum and she said there is no need to do before baby is born. So I didn't bother trying and have had no issues breastfeeding. Every woman is different so try not to compare yourself to others. X

[Sw1234 in reply to StarsAllAround]

I was told exactly the same with my first and naively thought he'd just feed

[Fruitandflowers]

Yes, and I'm glad I did as my baby didn't latch properly (actually until about 8 weeks!) but she was very hungry from the start and having some colostrum was a relief. I really wish I'd had more given the latch issue and also as I had a section the milk didn't come in quickly and had to be forced on early as the baby was dropping weight so rapildy and we were readmitted to hospital. If you have no issues with feeding them it's most likely not necessary (every baby is different) and I think most women don't bother, but I'd heard of women having lots in the freezer at home and wish I'd tried sooner to get more even as a back-up, but I was scared about causing early labour and it was quite tricky to get the hang of - I was do disappointed at first at the amounts I was getting but it increased quite quickly after a bit of practice.

[Sw1234 in reply to Fruitandflowers]

When did you start collecting it and how long did you have to work for at the start to get anything out? We tried for about 5 minutes each side and nothing was happening. Think being able to collect would give me a huge confidence boost but if I can't do it I think it'll really affect me

[Fruitandflowers in reply to Sw1234]

I think I waited until about 36 weeks (as I had a booked c-section for around 38 weeks), but I could have done much earlier I think as I was leaking for a couple of months before that. Because of the leaks I thought it would be a breeze but I really struggled at first - I found attempting it in the bath or after a warm shower worked best, and definitely not when I was stressed and frazzled. I was getting miniscule amounts for maybe three days, then it gradually increased until I could fill a little syringe over maybe two days. I probably tried a couple to three times a day. There are some videos on YouTube that really helped. I think I was able to take 4 syringes with me which the hospital put in the fridge but my daughter guzzled those in less than 24hrs. It's having them at home for discharge from the hospital that I would have liked. Breastfeeding turned out to be one of the most difficult, painful and upsetting things I've ever been though and though it worked eventually, I just wasn't prepared for how hard it can be for some women x

[Sw1234 in reply to Fruitandflowers]

Thank you so much for all the info and for recognising how difficult it can be x

[Purpledoggy]

I did from 37 weeks. The first day or two I got nothing out but then started to get a few tiny droplets and built up over 10 days to about 1ml a day over 2 sessions. The key thing is to be relaxed and comfortable. I used to lie in bed, close my eyes, and concentrate hard on my baby, imagining feeding my baby etc. I never actually used any of it but it was nice to have it and getting used to expressing is helpful for breastfeeding-squeezing a few drops of colostrum onto the nipple helps the baby find the boob and it’s essentially the same technique for handexpressing milk when it comes in. You may need to play around with exactly where to squeeze and how hard etc. I needed to go fairly far away from the nipple. Xx

[Sw1234 in reply to Purpledoggy]

Thanks for the reply. Reassuring to know it takes a couple of days to work

[Beacon78]

Due to being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and opting for a planned c-section I was told to harvest colostrum from week 36. I started harvesting colostrum from week 37. I have attached a link which provides very helpful guidance on what I did: kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/inf...

Initially I only got a couple of drops each time but by week 39 I was getting 20ml a day (two 10ml syringes). It really boosted my confidence. When my little boy arrived he latched on within a couple of hours and fed without difficulty. For the first couple of days I topped up his feeds with the colostrum I had harvested. My milk came through on day 3. When I took him for his day 5 check up with the health visitor he was nearly back to his birth weight. She described the colostrum harvesting as a “game changer” for me. My son has been exclusively breast fed and has gained weight consistently. He was six months last week and I will be starting the weaning process today. I believe the colostrum harvesting has given us the best start to our breast feeding journey and would highly recommend it to anyone regardless of gestational diabetes or c-sections. I wish you the very best of luck and hope everything goes well. X Ps I still got have loads left in the freezer.

[Sw1234 in reply to Beacon78]

Thank you. Sounds slikenyoyve had a lovely BF experience

[monkee641]

Hi there, I had gestational diabetes so was advised to harvest colostrum incase my baby was poorly when she was born. I had almost every midwife/consultant I saw from about week 34 advise me to harvest from 37 weeks. I did find it really difficult to start with, you’re following advice and watching videos but whatever you do, nothing will come out. But all I will say is, it helps to have a nice warm bath and to be relaxed. You should spend around 15-20 mins per side and honestly, it will be really frustrating to start with, it’s a slow process but just persevere as it will eventually come. And even if you only get 1ml out and that’s it, it will still be an amazing start for your baby.

As a side note, my baby was absoutley fine when she was born and wasn’t affected by my GDM. And I’m so proud to say, she latched as soon as she born and was shown my nipple, and she’s been feeding well since (she’s a month old now).

Please persevere, it’s a lovely feeling when you start to see results. All the best x x

[Sw1234 in reply to monkee641]

Thank you for such a lovely message

[ClaireB24]

Hi lovely. I expressed from 37 weeks. There’s a very small risk it can bring on early labour which is why midwives recommend waiting. It was really useful to have on the postnatal ward as my husband could feed our daughter whilst I got some sleep! But by no means essential. And I’ve got friends who didn’t have any coming through until after they’d given birth. Good luck! Not long to go xxx