expressing at 35 weeks- advice please

[mrsatkinson]

hi ladies, I am 35 weeks with twins - booked in for elcs on 21st, just before 37 weeks.

my question is, is it wise to begin trying to express my milk now?
I know it can trigger prem birth, but term for twins is 36 weeks so it's not a huge huge concern.
im worried my milk won't come in, my sil had twins in may at 37 elcs and her milk didn't come in for weeks and babies lost weight etc.

is it worth risking a prem birth (a week prem at most now) to help ensure my milk is there? I'm a ftm so not a clue about these things!

any help or advice greatly appreciated

I would advise you to phone the LLL helpline. Have you been in touch with the Infant Feeding Co-ordinator at the hospital where you will deliver? The mat ward will have her direct number. She will be able to provide you with the syringes.

www.laleche.org.uk/content/telephone-helpline

abm.me.uk/expressing-milk-baby-arrives-antenatal-expression-colostrum/

www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p34/Antenatal_Expression_of_Colostrum.html

Thank you, that's all really helpful

I just had a look at a random NHS hospital's leaflet on antenatal expressing and they say you shouldn't do it for multiples:
NHS leaflet link

I don't have experience of this situation, OP, but I myself would be wary of doing anything that could increase the chances of a baby coming early, even if it's only a bit early (I had a 29 weeker - totally different kettle of fish, but it means I am a bit more aware than most of what various degrees of prematurity can mean in practice!). Late preterm babies as a cohort have more problems than term babies (and in particular feeding problems), and the extra week or two of maturation can really make a difference for some babies. And if you're having an ELCS, I'd be wary of doing anything that could trigger labour in the meantime, as you don't want to end up with an EMCS!

For what it's worth, I really rate LLL (and I credit them with successfully breastfeeding my preemie) , but I think they're sometimes a bit flakey in their advice when it comes to premature infants or high-risk pregnancies (sorry LLL people, I love you really!). You'd be much better off asking your hospital's feeding coordinator and/or your consultant.

I wasn't able to BF for medical reasons but my milk came in a few days after having DTDs

Forgot to say born via ELCS at 36 weeks