Colostrum harvesting - can I use syringe

[Lucky2023]

Hello, I am looking for advice please. I have been given 2 syringes by my midwife to harvest colostrum as I have gestational diabetes. Will this be enough? Can I collect more but in a small sterilised container or must it be in a syringe?
Thank you

I ordered a pack from Amazon, think it was 20 syringes for around £10 or maybe less so I didn’t mind paying. Saying that if you don’t want to buy more then I can’t see a problem with collecting it in a small sterile container. Have you tried collecting it in the container? The only thing I’d say is it might be more difficult to do so, the syringes make it easier because it can be such tiny amounts at a time! My son got through about 12 syringes of the stuff because he ended up getting taken away to high dependency when he was born, I wasn’t well enough to breast feed for the first few hours either. So I’d say it’s definitely worth collecting as much as you can as you never know how much you might need.

All the best with the birth 🫶🏻

I took loads of syringes (around 10 i think) with me and it still wasn't enough! Baby kept falling asleep after latching so they were all used. Wasn't a worry though as I spent all night in hospital harvesting more. Every time I filled a syringe the midwives stored it in the fridge and brought me another one. So I'd say it's a good idea to get more syringes, but you will also be able to do more in hospital if necessary🙂 I agree with PP - cup is fine as newborns can drink from a cup but it would be hard to get it in. I had to suck up a drop at a time with the syringes. I was awake the whole night post-birth doing so🥱

Thank you so much ladies I will order some in from Amazon!

The midwives gave me extra syringes when I was in the ward after. I did buy some from Amazon as well, but two should be enough until you are able to harvest more in the hospital.
I say this just because I harvested and then went into labour that night. Could’ve been a coincidence, but just be prepared in case it does kick start things.