Hand expressing antenatally

[fen77]

Hello, just been to see my MW , I am 36 weeks pregnant and she was talking about hand expressing before baby comes, I have never heard this before, has anyone else been told about this? Want to know other peoples thoughts, thank you!!

I wouldn't. Your milk will change in accordance with your baby's needs. I can't see why anyone would want to do this to be honest.

Did she say why?

It's a bonkers idea, IMO, unless there is a sound medical reason for it. Why mess with nature unless you have to?

However, I have heard it is sometimes done if a mother has diabetes and it's thought her baby will emerge needing more volume than colostrum would normally supply - but I don't think there is any research behind it.