Colostrum harvesting

6 replies

Altmosphere · 07/04/2020 11:12

I am 36+4 with gestational diabetes and I was advised to harvest colostrum from 36 weeks.

Even though I tried, I was able to get really small amounts until now, not even worth freezing the syringe.

Do you have any tips? Does it get any better? I watched plenty of videos, tried everything from hot shower to massage, tried different times of the day, looked at scan photos, etc. but I think I am just too worried that I won’t get any :(

Should I keep going? Or should I just accept that I might not get big amounts?

Any help is appreciated!

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brummiemumm · 07/04/2020 11:57

Keep going! The first time I tried about three weeks ago I only managed 0.2ml after three attempts in one day. Now I can easily fill a syringe or two in about 10minutes. I found using a hot wheat bag/hot water bottle across my chest for 10mins or so before I tried expressing really helped 👍🏼 just keep going with it!

becca3210 · 07/04/2020 12:02

Keep going I also had virtually nothing initially and now am filling syringes. Things that worked for me - being very comfortable so for me this was sitting in bed with nice music playing. I needed. Massaging breasts and rolling/tweaking nipples before starting and then squeezing using both hands in C shapes around the breast. One hand didn't work for me. Good luck!

Original poster

Altmosphere · 07/04/2020 12:13

Thanks @brummiemumm & @becca3210 !

I should try with both hands then! Should I be consistent and give it a go everyday even though I get only a few drops? Or rest a couple of days and then try again?

OP posts:

Keyboard91 · 07/04/2020 12:40

I did 2-3 times a day depending on what I was doing etc. I got less luck in the morning, better in the afternoon. You need to drink lots. And just persevere. It took a few days until I could fill half a syringe, and as the days went by I upped my supply and could fill 2 syringes easily by my induction. I’d do a minute on one boob, then switch, then switch back etc. Took a while to really get the knack on how to get the most out! Also seemed to get more when DF was sat on the sofa next to me 🤷‍♀️

brummiemumm · 07/04/2020 12:42

I tried 2-3 times a day consistently until the supply increased. Now I only do it once a day (mainly because I don't have enough syringes!) I was due three days ago so am running out of syringes now!!

becca3210 · 07/04/2020 14:25

Yes would do at least once a day and preferably a few times a day as suggested if you can manage.

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