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Original poster

Colostrum harvesting

3 replies

Afterconkerseason · 22/01/2018 19:38

Hi all,

I’m feeling like a massive failure already as due to have a c-section on Wednesday and haven’t managed to get any colostrum out!

I was given the syringes etc inn friday and have been trying and trying but nothing. This is DC2 and has supply issues last time so panicking now that I just don’t make milk properly Sad although I did manage to bf for nearly a year in the end, mixed feeding with formula.

My boobs do feel hard and lumpy like there’s something in there! And attempting to hand express is giving me crazy Braxton Hicks, just no colostrum!! Any tips??

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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mindutopia · 22/01/2018 19:48

Are you doing in the shower/right after a shower in a warm room? I'm 37 weeks and have started to harvest colostrum this week as well. It's a really slow process to start from what I've been told. I can get a few drops right after a shower if I sit in the warm bathroom, but I can't get any the rest of the day. It is a supply and demand system, so I'm assuming it probably takes a week or so to really get going. A few drops at most is normal at first, but I think that would only be possible for me in the evening right out of the shower. I've been told to express 3-4 times a day, but I can't see right now how I'd get any throughout the day. Of course, I leak all over during the night and was able to easily express a few weeks ago (when I was still preterm and therefore couldn't do it). I think probably stress has something to do with it too. When you actually need it, you're probably much less likely to be relaxed, meaning it probably doesn't come as easily. I know time is short, but I would keep trying, especially if you can take a few showers a day and try after.

BunloafAndCrumpets · 22/01/2018 19:50

Sorry OP probably not helpful, but PP if you're leaking you can get breast shells which catch milk at night?

Original poster
Afterconkerseason · 22/01/2018 19:51

I’ve been trying morning and night but just sat on the bed, will try a hot shower tonight! I read it can take a while to build up so am a bit disappointed I only found out on Friday this was a thing I’m supposed to do Sad

I literally have tonight and tomorrow to try and get some. I’m booked in 9am Wednesday!

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