Expressing colostrum

Hey, I really struggled to get anything my first couple of times - I took some tips from other people which really helped such as a hot shower beforehand and then I use a warm cloth on my boob prior to attempting to express. I also got my partner involved (if you’re able too) that really helped. I’ve now started using a electric breast pump (which I know some people say not to use them - I waited until I was 38weeks and it’s really helped me increase my supply) Fingers crossed for you

I was the same at first! What really worked for me was massaging/warming up each breast for about 5 mins, mostly focusing on the nipple area. It did take a couple days but I’ve managed to get about 10ml so far. There are some useful videos on YouTube too if you’re unsure about extracting. Make sure you’re feeling relaxed too, that really helps. Good luck mama!

I found that a hot bath really helped & making sure I was super relaxed! I put on my fave tv show and also had some lactation music on YouTube ( not sure if it helped or anything but I liked it and felt calm) x

@Felicia that’s really helpful, thank you hun x

@Shelley thank you!! Xx

@Yas interesting!! Thank you x

Following as in same boat. Literally got 2 drops. But not able to get it in the syringe and not even 0.1 ml. Hoping it increases. How do people get it in the syringe or spoon/ container? Or will it be much easier if more comes?

I couldn’t get anything hand expressing so tried electric pump at 39+6 and got 1.5ml first try.

@Rachel this is my struggle too, think when more comes out it’ll be easier to contain. For my the drops just sat at the stop of the syringe and has pretty much disappeared this morning x

@Zee that’s amazing, sounds like you’re doing really well with it x

For me the hardest bit was getting the correct position and starting it flowing. I was told to do the C shape hand a little further back than my areola where supposedly the milk ducts are but I got nothing. I watched videos, read websites, asked my midwife. All said to hold it about a cm away from the areola. I tried massage, tried in the bath, nothing was happening. However, once I moved my hand forward with my finger and thumb on the edge of my areola and squeezing just under my nipple after a minute I was getting loads! Went from literally nothing to it flowing out quicker than I could suck up with the syringe.

@Rebecca this is the exact same with me! I have to be way closer to my nipple than everywhere suggests. I think it’s best to just experiment with your own breasts as everyone’s ducts will be slightly different. Also what helps me if the flow is slow is to push in for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds and then squeeze slowly forward. Feel like I’m literally milking a cow but that’s how it works for me!

@Rheo yes exactly the same for me

Be patient and try to be as relaxed as possible. First attempt I managed 0.46ml and was frustrated because it looked like a tiny amount, second attempt I managed 1ml throughout the day going back and forth to the fridge and yesterday managed 1ml in one sitting. And remember, some women struggle to get any colostrum at all but still go on to have success with feeding when their milk comes in - everyone’s journey is different. Get comfortable in bed, whack on your favourite podcast or sitcom, light a candle, have a cup of tea to hand and take your time. Oh, and practise with the syringes… first few attempts I was pushing the handle up rather than down and lost a few drops 😅🤦🏻‍♀️

@Rebecca yeah I was told the same advice! I noticed the closer to the nipple the more flow I get x

@Amy oh no haha! It’s not easy with the syringe is it haha. Feel like I need extra hands 😅 Thank you for the advice xx

Try warm compress and massaging your breasts before harvesting to stimulate them

@Becky Williams thank you I’ll give this a try x