Colostrum harvesting

[ChunkyButFunky87]

Due No 2 in July,

Breastfeeding just wasn't something I wasn't to do long term with my first, but I wanted to try and give her the colostrum so latched a few times.

I keep seeing about colostrum harvesting before birth and wonder if anyone has any advice on how to go about this as I feel this could be a better idea.

Give me the tips, tricks, how and when please

I did this, a couple of weeks before my due date. Buy some sterile syringes (I got some on Amazon) and have a look at some videos and websites to learn how to hand express. It’s a bit tricky to explain in words and takes some trial and error to find the right technique but well worth persevering with. I wasn’t able to breastfeed straight away so was really glad to have some stored up to give my baby in hospital. I think it helped my milk come in quickly when I started pumping too so I didn’t have to top up too much with formula. Fully BFing now with the odd expressed bottle, it really gave me confidence in my body’s ability to produce it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get much (or any) at first. It took me two days to fill a 1ml syringe at first but slowly I got more and more until I was able to get 5ml in 10mins. Some people can’t get any out antenatally at all but doesn’t mean they won’t be able to feed afterwards. Good luck!

To add, it’s not advised to start earlier than a couple of weeks before due date I don’t think as nipple stimulation can possibly trigger contractions

I would talk to your midwife. My hospital gives out a free pack with the syringes, Info sheet, everything you need and the midwife shows you how to use it etc. You mustn’t start it too early though so it’s best to get advice! Good luck