Is this amount of milk normal?

[Bumpingbumping]

I’ve just read a thread on another site about expressing colostrum and a lot of people saying they can’t get a drop out at 37 weeks and that this is normal.

I’m 36 weeks and have been expressing since 34-35 and quite easily fill syringes full.
After reading this I’m a bit worried that I’ll “run out” of colostrum before baby is born in 2 weeks time. I’ve had quite a few problems (skin condition after surgery) with my boobs so I’m also wondering if this colostrum is even good enough

Is it normal to be having so much flow at this stage?

Quite normal also. Everyone is slightly different. I had no colostrum when I was pregnant with my first, but had quite a fast flow after she was born (when established). It’s a great thing for you. It won’t run out don’t worry 😉

You can't "run out", your boobs are like a factory. Not sure why you're harvesting colostrum though, there really isn't a need unless you have gd. But you will get more as you are stimulating your milk ducts.

Don't worry OP, you'll be grand.

Thank you for your responses, jitters are setting in and I’m questioning everything!

Good to know x

Not sure why you're harvesting colostrum though

Me either - I never thought of doing that or heard of anyone else doing it. I don’t know how much I had in there before DS was born - I didn’t even think of trying to get any out

I had nothing at all until 1 week post baby, and then it disappeared within 10 days as I didn't breastfeed. Everyone's different I assume.

What are you doing with it op? Genuinely curious, I've never heard of anyone expressing and filling syringes this early

It’s been recommended 1. Due to being induced 2. Because baby will be slightly early

If anything goes wrong (touch wood) it’s better for baby to have a supply to hand straight away apparently

More info here www.laleche.org.uk/antenatal-expression-of-colostrum/

Please be careful!! I expressed early and had to stop as it gave me contractions - it’s not recommended to express before 38 weeks in case it kicks labour off

Okay I just read your link that’s interesting. I was always told not to do it before full term and tbh it seems kind of unnecessary to have lots of colostrum - it’s not like breast milk, they won’t be drinking lots and lots and lots, isn’t it just supppsed to be super concentrated early couple of days only stuff?

How do you store it? I expressed colostrum when I first had DS1 because he wouldn’t latch - I then gave it to him straight away. If I left it for a bit it would just crystallise in the syringe, it’s a bit like honey.

Agree - midwife yesterday was talking enough this not being advised before term as it can bring on premature labour!

I can easily fill a few ml syringes a day. 70% of that is the right, less comes out the left (is that normal?)

I’m just doing it in case anything happens to the baby and he ends up in SCBU etc and also so partner can get involved syringe feeding him is we have any probs when we take the baby home. Also I can see he’s definitely getting something 😀

It doesn’t cause me any contractions and I feel happier having a (small) supply in the freezer.

@CloudyVanilla I’m getting induced a few weeks early anyway and although I’ve not had any contractions whilst expressing I wish I would! Really not keen on a medical induction. They’ve said anytime from now is safe to give birth anyway so here’s hoping!

@Pinkblueberry just pop it into a syringe and put that in a dated freezer bag and freeze it x

@Moraxella I’m the same but mine comes out more of the left?! I’m sure it’s probably normal maybe just give the other an extra bit of focus. I’ve also found oats really good for increasing supply