Colostrum harvesting

Hey lovely! I was the exact same the first few times I barely made a drop and didn’t even save it because it felt such a non existent amount - I’ve tried expressing every day for a week and today I moved up to 2 syringes because I produced enough after a bath. If you want to chat about it feel free to dm me! I was disheartened after my first try but defo worth keeping going 🫶🏼

It’s taken me a week to get 0.8ml in one syringe. Keep going❤️

I found leaning forward helps x

Don’t feel bad. It’s unnecessary. Women have been BFing for thousands of years without colostrum harvesting. If you have baby to breast constantly when they’re born, the milk will come. They come out with extra fat to accommodate for a few days of less milk when they’re born. Colostrum straight from the breast is all they need for first few days 💞 https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HHh-7IQiH/?igsh=MWNmOTR2emZmaGQxMg==

I first got 0.05ml at 36 weeks, I'm now at 38+4 and I'm getting at least 1ml per session. I found its partly technique and just being consistent, even if you don't get a lot at the beginning it will increase :)

And as Poppy said, it's become this trendy thing at the moment, if you had asked people 10 years ago about it they wouldnt have heard of it!

Thank you ladies. I appreciate the wise words💖 will be persistent with it and hopefully find a technique that works best for me and not be to disappointed next time round! Much love xx

I didn't do it at all with my first❤️ it was absolutely fine 🙂 don't stress yourself out xoxo

It takes time the more you build it up and practice your technique, the more you will produce it is a supply and demand kinda thing!

That being said it’s not uncommon to struggle to get anything prior to babies arrival. My cousin could not collect colostrum, after baby was here her boobs just kicked in and successfully breast fed for 6 months with no issues!
Everyone is different, just keep trying ❤️❤️

Can you use a pump to collect it? I’m about to start trying x

there is mixed opinions on using a pump, it can make your nipples sensitive and can bring on early labour.

I would say try hand expressing and if you find you produce a lot speak to your midwife about it.

I think it’s personal preference, I have tested out my pump to make sure it’s all working and didn’t find it hurt or anything! Definitely helped me reduce the amount I’m leaking through the day! X

Hi, with both my pregnancies I’ve not seen any colostrum for the first 2-3 sessions of hand expressing. I’ve always been told to just treat those as body prep.

Other helpful tips
1. First thing in the morning often a good time
2. Don’t try when stressed otherwise the hormones will be working against you
3. Push back into the breast then squeeze forward rather than trying to slide the hands down the breast. I’m always amazed by how far back away from the nipple the milk ducts go.

Don’t be disheartened around amounts at this stage. I had low colostrum amounts to start with and exclusively breastfed for 6 months and a further 18 months alongside food. Stay positive, there’s absolutely no reason for your to assume your body won’t produce enough for what your baby needs

Hello!!
Everytime I tried never worked. I was only able to get some drops under the shower. So I figured it out that my boobs work better with a hotter temperature.
My recommendation : Get a hot water bag, that feels hot but you are Confortable. Place it in one boob for 10 mins. The massage smoothly for other 2 mins. And then try to extract. For me works better when I press around the areola (not the nipple). If I go above the areola it hurts and doesn't work, I literally have to do it on the line. And also from different angles.
Imagine the breast tissue is a net of pipes, you need to find where they are.

I started with 0.2 from each breast. In day 4 I was collecting 0.8. Now after 2 weeks I can collect 1 ml from each.

If your boobs start hurting, stop. Do it another day.

Don't worry! 💕 You are doing your best momma!! 💕 💕

I was exactly the same. I did it every evening for a week then finally can fill a full syringe in a night now. I use a hot flannel to warm up boob for few mins then massage it then try. I know exactly how you feel but keep trying every day. It's not the end of the world if you can't get any either, it won't affect breastfeeding so I've been told.

I've breastfed two babes and pregnant with Third. You do not need to harvest anything. Your milk milk naturally comes in after days of giving birth. Before that baby has colostrum from you. I wouldn't waste your time and energy and frustration and worry on this. Your baby needs you to be calm and collected so your body can release the happy hormones like oxytocin to be able to go through labour and give birth. You've got this. Xx

I’ve just started tonight! Took me about an hour and I nearly gave up, kept switching boobs and nothing, then suddenly a drop popped out! Couldn’t believe my eyes haha, I syringed it in but it mostly all got stuck at the top, I’ve read you can use the same syringe for 24 hrs stored in fridge, so I’ve popped it back in its packet in the fridge and tomorrow I’ll try again. I think the more you do it the more comes out!

Please don't panic! Colostrum harvesting isn't any indication on your supply or ability to breastfeed and really isn't even necessary for most people. It's just to have a safety net Incase baby doesn't latch well to start or you are separated for any reason, but the midwives and feeding team at the hospital will be able to help you if this is the case anyway. Most people don't even use the colostrum they do collect.

That said, there are some things that can make it easier. Firstly, don't stress! You need oxytocin flowing. Listen to some music, have a cuddle with your other half, even masterbation can help! Technique is also quite important, so just try different angles and positions. But honestly, don't panic if you don't get any at all. https://laleche.org.uk/antenatal-expression-of-colostrum/

or how do you get it into the syringe?

when the bead of colostrum is on the nipple (mine is really thick) I just suction it with the syringe. Mine only comes out small bits at all time so I just take my time and spend about an hour morning and night doing it. I use the c shape, press back into my chest and almost “pump” about 10-20 times then lower my fingers to right outside the areola and squeeze for about 5 seconds. I have noticed it’s increasing the more I do it. My midwife said today that 0.7ml is equivalent to about 25ml feed because it’s so nutrient dense x

thank you! Super useful

Omg
I managed to get 0.3 today! 🙌🏻

Keep going that’s great. I started last week. Started off with just a drop, have been doing it for 10 mins every other day, last night I got 10ml in one go after a warm bath. Couldn’t believe it!

I felt so disheartened as I have being trying and not got anywhere. Watched videos, changed techniques, baths and showers before. Then had a nap this afternoon woke up feeling relaxed and asked my husband to help try and get it started and between us we have done a syringe in about half an hour. Advice don't give up if it's something you really want to do and don't stress. Try and stay calm and ask your partner. I know my husband was more than happy yo help ! ☺️