Expressing before c-section....questions

[llareggub]

I am still breastfeeding DS 2.1. I am pregnant and have been diagnosed with gest. diabetes.

For various reasons it seems very likely I will have another c-section. I've been told baby will go straight to SCBU, despite NICE guidelines. I've told the midwife that it was hard enough getting breatfeeding established last time after my c-section and baby going to SCBU won't help much.

I had all sorts of problems last. DS was given a bottle of formula several times against my wishes and it took ages to get his latch right.

So. I've told the midwife that I don't want this to happen again and she suggested that I start building up a store of breastmilk in the 3 months before the delivery to avoid formula.

What happens to my milk as I get nearer delivery? Will it change to suit newborn? Will I get any problems doing this? Is there anything else I can do?

As NICE see no reason for your baby to go to SCBU unless there are any problems, then theres no reason for them to go there. What would happen if you just refused to let go ?

Even if you have expressed milk, they will quite possibly just give it in a bottle, and then you get the whole latching issue.

This is really something you need to explore with someone from the hospital - if there is an infant feeding advisor they might be the best person perhaps ?

Your milk will change as you near delivery, and as you are bfing anyway shouldn't cause problems. Someone on here recommended expressing into sterile syringes so that they could be frozen like that, and syringed in directly

bumping for some more expert advice for you. Do they really need to take the baby straight to SCBU though?

afaik though your milk will change towards the end of the pregnancy and will be rich in colostrum as the needs of the newborn come first.

There is some information on kellymom on tandem feeding

Thanks for your replies.

I asked the same about NICE. They said they just hadn't got around to changing their policy yet. Am going to write to the Head of Midwifery anyway, pointing out NICE guidelines and my preferences.

Syringes are an excellent idea, will investigate. Where can I buy these?

You can buy them at the chemist - just explain to the pharmacist - about 50p each I think.

So they know their policy is incorrect, but 'haven't got round to changing it' - what bull. Def write to the head of midwifery and point out the guidance, and say that you do not wish your newborn to be separated from you unless directly clinically required. Might be good to find out what is considered necessary - I seem to remember that blood glucose readings in neonates are sometimes construed to require topping up based on one reading, rather than giving you a chance to feed and repeating. Tiktok. Mears or Hunker will know more

Last time the nurse from SCBU threatened to take my DS away from me into SCBU unless I agreed to give him formula. She was horrid and it was day 3, so I have awful memories of that day. DS was under the phototherapy lamp and a lovely midwife was helping me express. I just have awful memories of the whole experience and I really need this time to be different!

I'll get a stock of syringes in and get expressing nearer the time. I have an appointment at the joint diabetes clinic next week so I will repeat my concerns to the consultants and get them to document my wishes in my notes. Will also write.

Thanks for your messages of support and advice.

My friends midwife gave her special syringes with caps to put on to seal them after filled with ebm. She wasn't BF during pregnancy, so waited till nearer the end to express, but found it set of bad braxton hicks so stopped. Maybe store a bit now/soon as a back-up seeing as you have some! Hopefully you'll be able to get some nearer the time too without this problem, especially as your body is used to letting down milk during pregnancy. Best of luck