Hand expressing colostrum

I'm really struggling as well, been trying for over a week and getting nothing. It's so disheartening 😔

I'm struggling too. I get a little to the end of the nipple but that's it

Have you tried having a bath or shower first or applying a warm compress? So sorry you're struggling ❤️ I think it's really common for it not to come in until baby arrives though.

I didn’t get anything my first go either and was really disheartened! Since then I’ve been having a bath beforehand or putting a hot water bottle on my boobs for 5-10 mins then massaging down towards my nipple for a few mins before even trying to express. It can be a really slow process so try not to lose hope! It also has no correlation to your ability to breastfeed so try not to worry too much x

It took me 3 tries to get anything worth collecting and even then I’ve only managed a few ml twice. Try in the morning after a warm shower- that’s when I’ve had my best results!

I tried this evening too and I managed to get a full ml.
Not sure it’ll help but this is what I’ve done:
-got super comfy on the sofa after dinner, fav tv show on
-massaged my whole boob for about 15 mins then moved onto the nipple area for an other 10 mins
-tried squeezing but nothing came out at this point
-got a washcloth warmed up and put it on my boob, massaged it again
-squeezed the nipple gently in a downward motion aaaaand I could see little droplets forming! Took over an hour and a lot of pauses but managed to get a ml from one boob.
I hope this helps xx

Thanks for all the comments already x I tried a warm compress and massaging before trying to express. I was all cozy in bed and had been reading for a bit so I was quite relaxed. Going to try not to let it stress me out… and try again tomorrow. Did anyone feel quite sore after? I don’t think I was doing it that hard but my boobs hurt a lot now…

You’ll get there!! Definitely sore, very sore 😣

I didn’t get anything the first time either. Next time I got 0.2ml and third time 0.25ml. Midwife told me it is absolutely no indication of your ability to breastfeed or what your milk supply will be like. Your body hasn’t released the hormone yet to properly kick it all off (only happens at birth). So nothing at all to worry about :)

I’ve been trying everyday for like 2 weeks now and I hardly get anything either :/ it’s hard work and disheartening when you literally get nothing and have sore boobs instead.

I find that if I put too much pressure on myself/it starts to hurt or get uncomfortable then I won’t produce any! I only produce colostrum when I’m relaxed and happy. You need to make sure your boobs are warm and massaged, stick on a good tv program and have a nice drink to hand! Keep trying it took me a while to get the hang of it x

Even with a bath sometimes I'm struggling with it. The thing that helps most is using a hot compress after and relaxing in front of the TV as I do it x

Don't be disheartened. I have always thought I wouldn't get anything as it runs in the family. I started a week ago and got 0.05ml... barely anything. The next day I got a little more and tried it in 2 sessions during the day. Today I've done 2 sessions and got 1ml each session! It took some time but I got there. I use some gel heat pads prior to it. Then massage and I then alternate between boobs. One of mine I barely get anything but I do find if I spend 5-10 mins on one, then swap and then go back to the first, I do get there eventually. Today is the first time I've managed to get two full 1ml syringes. The second one was fine up until 0.7 and then the last few drops took some effort but I was determined as I may be induced tomorrow so it may be the last chance 😬 don't be disheartened. I've been told it doesn't mean you won't be able to breastfeed. I've not leaked at all during pregnancy so I'm really surprised I was able to get anything. 38 weeks today.

Also took me three tries and the third time lucky was after we had sex which I don't think was a coincidence. You need to be relaxed and hydrated as well
I used a really nice smelling massage oil to massage them first so I think that helped relax.

Even then only got 0.1ml from each boob and the next time half as much (but not after sex)

I tried 3 days and got 1 ml

Me 2 :( been trying for a few days now yet I’ve been leaking loads all through my pregnancy and now nothing x

Hey, how many weeks should you be before you start trying? X

So for those of you who have been successful, how long in one session does it take for the colostrum to come out? I just sat for almost 40 minutes trying and didn’t get a thing. Yet again, just sort boobs…. I know everyone keeps telling me to keep trying but I just want to cry, I feel like I’m failing and the baby isn’t even born yet…

doing all of those things already… I took a breast feeding class so felt really prepared to do it. But it just doesn’t seem to want to work…

it’ll depend on the person. I’ve been given the thumbs up to start at 36. Need to ask your midwife x

Honestly, don't put pressure on yourself. My midwife said that it doesn't come through for everyone and its no indication of what you'll be like when baby arrives. Your colostrum might come in after birth. Everyone is different. If its not working at the moment, speak to your midwife and don't do it if your hurting.

For me, I need to be really relaxed and it takes a good 10-15 to see droplets appearing. Then it's a slow process of tiny bits coming in. I also switch boobs and go back and forth.

I got two drops out of one boob today! Legit wasn’t enough to even use the syringe. But yay!!!