Colostrum harvesting

I don’t have big boobs & have been struggling. I’m on day 4 I think or maybe day 5 & only get little drops & only from 1 boob. Only last night did I manage to harvest 0.1ml after trying for ages. If you have the time I think try a few times a day which is what a friend told me to try & then just persevere & don’t lose hope!

I started a few days ago with my pump, I don’t let the colostrum go through the pump because it’s so think and sticky so I just keep removing the pump and collecting what’s on my nipple! I’ve been managing 1ml every 20mins like this! I couldn’t get on with hand expressing at all

I’m 38 weeks today and I started a week ago and have literally got nothing! I’ve also tried being in the bath, got a hot flannel on them before, putting an easy-going programme on for distraction and relaxation, massaging for AGES, but it’s not happening right now. It’s so disheartening but I’m going to speak to my midwife at my appointment today and not put pressure on myself. If it doesn’t happen then it’s not the end of the world!

@Amanda 3ml is quite a lot from one session! You should be very pleased

I started 2 weeks ago and nothing or the tiniest amount. I’ve stuck to it and the last 2 days I seem to be getting more x

Sorry to ask a question instead of replying Any recommandation of a YouTube video to harvest ? I am 37 weeks and planning to start in a couple of days

I've started today and it took me over a hour to get 3ml. I could only get it from one boob aswell. I have very large boobs and i had to use two hands to get it to come out and then start and stop to suck it up! Alot of massage and nipple play helped.

Are you using a pump or your hands

I found it difficult due to having bigger boobs, all the information avaliable suggests being able to do it with one hand creating the C shape but I physically cannot do that with my boobs.. when I calmed down and accepted that, started using two hands, it helped and I've been able to get into the swing of it. If I persist, I can get 1ml a day but 3/4 of that comes from one boob, as my right is so much better than me left x

I'm getting a few drops too and I've been trying for a week. I did buy the Lansiloh pearl therapy bags that you heat and put on your breasts. They helped.

I’m the same, I’m not getting anything! Think I have managed 0.1ml each day! Doesn’t seem worth the stress or worry 😩

Hey! I started yesterday, I went in the shower for 15 minutes and made sure to massage my breasts in there, then got into my PJs and did another 15 minutes of massage. I have my husband on collection duty (that was weird at first). But so far I’ve filled one syringe per evening (half from each boob). I do have size B boobs, so am smaller. My two sister in laws and friend both tried, and they couldn’t collect, but as soon as baby was born they were all able to exclusively breastfeed and pump; so please don’t worry if it doesn’t happen pre baby it’s nothing to do with supply (and back in our parents day I’m pretty sure it was unheard of) xx

Being unable to harvest colostrum is not a sign of your supply. Our bubbas are the best thing to help our supply. Raising your oxytocin levels can help with harvesting. Try doing it in babies nursery or around their clothes, looking at your scan pictures. Or just watching a film/tv show you like. Good luck to you and just remember it isn’t a sign of your supply, some people aren’t able to harvest colostrum yet have high milk production once baby is here 💜 xxx

I have been doing it for about 2 weeks and finally got a full 1ml today. I have bigger boobs too and it definitely made it more difficult, I had to use 2 hands to get the pressure needed. I also find that the first 5 minutes I get nothing, I then take a rest and and try again and then get some. Keep trying, the more you do it the easier it is. Also even if you never harvest any colostrum it doesn't mean anything about your supply/ability to breast feed. It's all there the baby will be able to get it out, even if you can't!

I’ve just started to do this over last few days, I’ve found doing after the shower or bath best with lights dimmed, a nice rv show on and being super comfy - got distracted a few times with the tv and massaged the boobs for longer than planned and that seemed to be more successful!

Hey! I was the same when pregnant, could never harvest anything and it doesn’t mean anything for supply when bubs is here :)