Antenatal hand expression

[Nic165]

Pregnant with my second and planning to formula feed as I did with my first. However I just read about antenatal hand expression for colostrum. Im thinking about trying this from 37 weeks and storing until needed. Has anyone just given colostrum to their baby after birth and then moved straight to formula?

I've just done it for my second because of medication I was on, although for me it was also a precursor to breastfeeding. Ask your midwife for an antenatal expression kit ( you might have to speak to the breastfeeding support team at your hospital or the diabetic clinic).

I found it was time consuming, but worthwhile for the confidence boost and the extra preparation for feeding. I had about 15ml stored by the time I went into hospital at 37+5. Doesn't sound like much but we didn't use it all.

I can't see any reason why you wouldn't do this even if you intended to formula feed from day 1.