Collecting colustrum...

[tfh]

Hi everyone. I am 36 weeks and my midwife has suggested that I start collecting some colustrum (no sign of it yet though) and has given me some syringes etc. I know it will take a while to appear but how long should I be trying each day to collect it? Thanks.

Hi op, I did this due to gestational diabetes. What I found worked for me was to spend some time late at night when your prolactin levels are higher doing some breast massage. It can be an emotional thing so best you're somewhere you feel relaxed, aren't likely to be disturbed and I tried to think about all the things about baby being here that I was excited about. Its best to do little and often until you build up a bit of a release so maybe 15 mins at a time per side was what I did. I found my colostrum came in quite quickly at this stage to be honest and I started collecting a drop at a time. I think the first time I spent about an hour on one side and got 1/2 a ml. But kept it up every day and it built up to having a full syringe in about 30 mins. I noticed a difference in how much more I released when I was relaxed etc so I do think that's key. After a bath/shower is good and warm compresses can help too. At the end of the day I didn't actually end up using a single drop that I collected as my milk came in surprisingly well and baby fed well so I didn't need it, it was just a nice backup to have. So don't panic if it doesn't work for you it can be difficult to get any prior to baby actually arriving. I found I stopped the closer I got to my due date as I was meant to have a planned section and it gave me quite strong braxton hicks when in did it in the last few weeks.

Thank you so much, that's so helpful!