Colostrum harvesting

[HarvestingHelp]

Hi ladies,

On the advice of my midwife, I've started colostrum harvesting last night. However I haven't even got 0.1ml. Not even half of that!

I'm not worried, it may come in, it may not - I'm aware that it doesn't happen to all.

My only question is, should I throw the first syringe away and just try to build up the flow for a few days before I start to collect it? I know baby's tummy will only be little and won't need much to feed, however surely just a few drops isn't worth freezing and I should save the syringes until I get a bit more to make it worthwhile?

Thanks for any advice received.

@Whatelsecouldibecalled

Thank you! I've read up but not watched anything. I think that'll be my next step. I'm sure it'll build up, I don't have concerns about that, I'll make sure to keep all that I get

I only managed about 0.1ml on my first try but managed to build up to about 0.5ml after a few attempts so could fill the 1ml syringe by doing it twice a day. I think I kept the first attempt, you might as well. Or use it as a practice syringe as getting the technique of using the syringe can be tricky at first.

It's 100% a really useful thing to do. I ended up with a C-section under general anesthetic and baby was too sleepy to latch. The syringes were a god send and I am so so pleased I did it. It also meant the midwives on the postnatal ward could use them to feed her overnight whilst I slept!

@Pandemicpregnancy

I only managed about 0.1ml on my first try but managed to build up to about 0.5ml after a few attempts so could fill the 1ml syringe by doing it twice a day. I think I kept the first attempt, you might as well. Or use it as a practice syringe as getting the technique of using the syringe can be tricky at first.

It's 100% a really useful thing to do. I ended up with a C-section under general anesthetic and baby was too sleepy to latch. The syringes were a god send and I am so so pleased I did it. It also meant the midwives on the postnatal ward could use them to feed her overnight whilst I slept!

Definitely tricky. I hope I'm doing the right technique but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Glad it's worth keeping. Will see how tomorrow goes!

I definitely like the idea that DH will also be able to feed the baby, I can only really see benefits. And regarding the early labour that some have mentioned, it's really rare and no evidence. Luckily I've reached "full term" so will see what happens!

I would highly recommend joining a fb page called exclusively pumping uk mums. I plan on pumping for this baby, did it for ds as he was 12 weeks Prem so a nicu baby.
It's more than doable and if you get into a good routine and set up not as much work as what you think.
I would save any colostrum you can get and freeze. I would also watch some videos online on how to hand express but once you get the hang of it u will be fine x

@boymum88

I would highly recommend joining a fb page called exclusively pumping uk mums. I plan on pumping for this baby, did it for ds as he was 12 weeks Prem so a nicu baby. It's more than doable and if you get into a good routine and set up not as much work as what you think. I would save any colostrum you can get and freeze. I would also watch some videos online on how to hand express but once you get the hang of it u will be fine x

Amazing to hear positive stories. Will look into online resources. I don't really use Facebook and especially not for anything baby related for personal reasons. I, quite luckily, have an awesome support network near so I think I should manage expressing, as long as my milk supply agrees.

Glad I'm not the only one who wants to feed this way.

Just to say anyone who collects colostrum but then finds their milk comes in quickly after birth, please do give the stored colostrum as well, as it has some specific benefits.

OP, some women can express milk easily, others find their body just doesn’t respond to a pump. Just be prepared to be flexible if you find the expressing isn’t working.