Hand expressing colostrum

[Bubbles021]

I am 37 weeks and have been asked by my obstetrician to see if I can contain some colostrum for my baby as I have gestational diabetes.
I have been trying for 3 days now a couple of times a day and so far nothing. I will keep persisting, but how long did it take others to get a flow? Also how long do you do it for each time you try? And does anyone have any useful tips?
Thank you 😊

I got nothing before labour and apparently this is very common (im pretty sure it did however bring on labour at 37+5 so hope you've got your bag packed!)

But as soon as i had my baby, i was able to start harvesting colostrum (she had a NICU stay so i hand expressed until my milk came in and i could start pumping until she graduated into SCBU).

Useful tips: be totally relaxed, warm bath / shower helps, there are some good videos for techniques online. But as i say, not be stressed if you can't get everything because apparently that's just the way it is for some people.

So….I did this and for the same reason, and each time it’s come in so handy immediately after birth. But it’s an art form and can’t be rushed. Make sure you do some reading around it, but from memory I massaged the boob beforehand, then used a warm flannel on it. Then started really really wide, in a c shape and squeezed down. The wiser I went the more I got. When I say more I’m talking comparatively 😂 however! I started with the tiny tiny syringes and then was filling the bigger ones once I had found my ‘flow’. Managing to suck up all the little drops with the other hand is an entirely other thread! And when you get loads, put it in the freezer make sure ur husband doesn’t leave it all on top when he goes looking for an ice cream so it melts and you have to chuck it and start again 😭 😭 😭- I’ve never been so heartbroken xx

@YorkshireTeaCup thank you so much! I'm probably putting way too much pressure on myself because I've been told it's really important for the baby, so it's really reassuring to hear that it doesn't happen for everyone, thank you 😊

@Dollgiraffe thank you so much for the advice! I can only imagine your heartbreak after how much effort and time is put into this! 😂

I started around 38 weeks @Bubbles021 . At first I was disheartened because I was literally getting 0.1ml, it's such a tiny amount! But my midwife said that's normal, and it has since increased.

Like PPs said, you need to be relaxed, let the oxytocin flow 😄Warm shower or flannel, then massaging the breasts, then taking your time "squeezing" from around the areola towards the nipple. It will literally be tiny drops at first!!!

I sit there for quite a while to be honest.

Check out Olivia Hinge (olivialactationconsultant) on Instagram. She has a great video on expressing colostrum!

Ah fantastic Mumsnet, the bracketed part didn't display at all 🙄 That was supposed to be her Instagram username if you couldn't find her by real name.

There should be an underscore between each word:
olivia lactation consultant

I tried at 39 weeks and couldn't get anything. First few days after birth got only a few drops. Then my milk came in with a big supply so if you find it hard it doesn't mean you'll have any problem breastfeeding

It took me about a week from first trying, where I was literally getting one or two droplets, before I started getting enough to actually use a syringe. I sit and massage the boob for a minute or so and do light touch massage and then I’ve found what works for me is starting just outside the areola and gently squeezing as if to mimic the baby suckling. Stick at it and you will find a technique that works for you :)

I found it easier in the bath!