Colostrum harvesting

Following this! I’m 38 weeks and I feel like I’m not doing a good job. :(

I started collecting at 37 weeks too, got nothing really on day 1 &2, but day 3 onwards I’ve been able to collect some. It’s a slow process, having to collect it drop by drop, and I’ve never managed to fill the whole 1ml syringe in a day so far. The max I’ve done is 0.9ml over a 24hr period before freezing it. I do it like 2 or 3 times a day, for about 10 mins every time. And slowly i can see that the amount i’m producing is increasing each day. So my advice is be pateint, as it takes time, and don’t worry too much if you’re not able to collect much or get anything at all. Doesn’t mean it will be the same after you give birth, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

I'd definitely suggest a warm shower or at least warm flannel on your boobs before doing it. Works a treat for me and then I just like knead the boob area with my knuckles before hand expressing. First attempt I only got 0.5ml but I've since been doing it at least twice a day and getting 1ml both times 🥰 I'm 41 weeks and it's been fine, just don't be disheartened and don't pull the syringe too far up or down as losing it is heartbreaking!

Warmth on my breast before hand 100% makes it easier. I have breast heat/ice pads that I just chuck in the microwave to make warm and put it in my bra for 5 mins before. I do regular small breaks when the droplets stop coming as easily.

At first I literally got just a few drops, but now i get 0.5 ml per session (that's from one boob, my other one is a total slacker). I combine my two syringes at the end of the day to get a full 1ml syringe then freeze