Breastfeeding!!

You don't have to do anything. Your breasts are already making colostrum and they will make milk when it's time.

thank you. I feel like that was such a stupid question but it’s obviously not something I’ve experienced before

You can also check this out but I wouldn’t worry too much. Your body is made for this and if your mindset is already there, your body will follow ❤️ https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/colostrum-harvesting/#:~:text=Cup%20your%20breast%20in%20a,you%20to%20express%20your%20colostrum.

Not a silly question at all. If you want to harvest colostrum, you should wait until 37 weeks as it could induce labour. As soon as you deliver, they should try to latch baby straight away and baby will sense your nipple and know exactly what to do. What they don’t always mention is that your milk supply may not come in straight away, it could take a few days (might even require pumping) but babies have tiny stomachs and don’t need so much in the first few days. Just in case you run into supply issues, it’s useful to have formula on hand.

Wait until 37 weeks to do that

thank you! I have bought pre-made formula for the hospital in case, and if needs be can buy when we leave the hospital! I just feel like people say yeah breastfeeding is great but don’t actually explain anything else 😂

You’re more than welcome! Breastfeeding is great, EVENTUALLY. You’ve just reminded me of a few other things. It can be painful when you’re establishing feeding so invest in a good nipple balm and I’d also recommend silver cups for extra support in healing. If you don’t have a pump (they can be pricey) maybe look into where you can rent one so that you already have a plan in case you need it.

yes I’ve heard it’ll be painful, but I’m fully willing to go through it all for my girl. I’ve got some nipple balm. I’ve just had to google silver cups 😂 only managed to find one that is nickel free (I’m allergic) so hopefully they actually are!! I have got a breast pump already, didn’t know you could rent them tbh, but I’d rather have one I can take everywhere with me, do you recommend I take it to the hospital with me?

Not a silly question at all!! Your actual milk will come in a few days after your baby is born (3-7 days after) but before then you’ll have colostrum to feed them with (early milk, liquid gold, super nutrient dense sticky and thick liquid that your breasts will already be producing to some degree)

Also, definitely have a plan for pumping, and if you can find one and your budget allows, pre book an appointment with a lactation consultant about 2 ish weeks after you give birth (or after your due date depending on where you’re at!). I didn’t prebook and had to wait till she was 4 weeks to meet with one and I wish I’d been able to sooner!! I was having issues with super painful latches from my girl and in one appointment with a few adjustments made it was like night and day!!

No, your hormones make your milk coke in a couple of days after birth! Mine came in on day 4, but I had lots of colostrum so I never had to use formula. I started expressing colostrum at 36 weeks so I had a freezer supply to take to the hospital in case he didn’t latch/feed well which I recommend if you want to be prepared😊

If you can Harvesting colostrum will really help! And great to have a supply at the beginning if your trying to get your latch right. I highly recommended looking on insta at a page called the balanced boob. She’s brilliant and so informative.

I tried harvesting colostrum before my LO was born but had no success so I waited until she was born & got the support from the midwives on the ward. I put too much pressure on myself to try get the colostrum pre-birth so my advice would be don’t be deflated if you don’t get any / much. Your body is an amazing tool & will do everything you need it to. I’m 15 months EBF & absolutely love it 💕 (down to only one night feed) Take advantage of any help with position / latch / questions etc & good luck! X