Harvesting colostrum - 36 weeks

[dg93]

Hey!

I'm in a difficult situation, so I'd like to ask you for advice 😭

I'm 36 weeks today, and csection is booked for 37+3. The high risk consultant told me to start collecting colostrum today, but I just spoke to my midwife who told me to not start until 37 weeks as I may go into labour!

If you've collected colostrum before, did you go into labour shortly after? If so how long after??

I have gestational diabetes so having enough colostrum to get babies sugar levels down once she's born is so important... but I know it's not safe for her to be born before 37 weeks!

I don't know what to do, my colostrum kit is arriving today 🤷‍♀️

I tried this last night and found it really difficult- could hardly get anything. I breastfed my first DC for 1 year so thought it would be easier!

@thingymaboob

I tried this last night and found it really difficult- could hardly get anything. I breastfed my first DC for 1 year so thought it would be easier!

I've tried for a few days now - hand expressing and using haakaa kit and literally get a couple drops each time, so little I can't even get it in the syringe 😭

I'm still trying twice a day so hoping it will start to come soon!

My waters broke 48hrs after i started colostrum harvesting at 37+3. Let's just say my hospital bag was not packed...! 😭😖

I hand expressed but got nothing out until after DD was born so its not a given that you will be able to harvest any.

Had my first go today (38 +4). My first baby and I had no idea what I was doing!

I managed to get .8ml which nearly filled my first syringe. I'm determined to go back to it and get it filled by the end of today!

It took a while. I put on Beauty and the Beast, had some chocolate and let the oxytocin flow...