Colostrum harvesting & period like cramps…

It’s normal. Not everyone gets colostrum. You could be getting contractions from expressing the colostrum. If it were me, I would hold off on collecting to let baby cook more.

ETA: colostrum output at this time is not a sign of what your supply will be like after baby. I wasn’t able to express any because I had a preemie and we are literally drowning in breast milk at my house 😂

It can take a while to get used to it from what I’ve read. Have you been warming your boobs up before expressing, and massaging them first before trying to express? There’s some good YouTube videos about how to do it.
First time I tried I managed to get 1ml, but then the following day only got 0.2ml so was quite disheartened. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things when it’s a more difficult expressing day I found.

Saw someone else on peanut comment that they were expressing morning and evening, and then decided to just do evening and it really helped. I did the same last night and managed to get 4ml so I think it is all variable and just takes a bit of practice.

Try sitting down in a nice calm environment, have a bit of nice music or a film on that you like in the background, that may help if you’re relaxed too.

Can’t comment on the cramps I’m afraid, maybe braxton hicks? But worth asking the midwife at your next appointment if you’re worried. X

I wanted to try and store colostrum but I don’t think I’ve produced enough to even try yet. I get tiny bits come out but that’s it. I’ve got another 4weeks so hoping I might be able too. I think it’s great that you’ve managed to get that amount, it will be a great start for your little one ☺️ try not to be hard on yourself and worry how much everyone else gets cos we all produce different amounts xxx

I never managed to harvest any colostrum with my first and he’s still breastfeeding 3 years later. This time round I haven’t even tried to harvest it cause I never felt like I needed any last time. so I wouldn’t say that not being able to harvest any is necessary if you can’t manage to get much out

I struggled at first until I spoke to a lactation consultant .. after their advise I was able to collect loads of syringes.
- massage breast as if you are kneading
- use fingers to roll around your nipple to stimulate it
- squeeze breast as if you are e picking up peas, with fingers parallel to each other

There are lots of useful videos on YouTube

I would advise not to do it until you are a bit further along though, it can induce labour

I collected some colostrum a week ago and about an hour later started having period like cramps, tightening and dull back ache… honestly was convinced I was in early labour! It went on all afternoon and changing positions and having a bath didn’t stop it. Went to bed thinking I’d give birth in the night and nothing happened and I’m still pregnant! I haven’t collected anymore since and going to hold off for another week or so.
Also, a full syringe is very good! I think the more you do it, the more you collect. X