Harvesting colostrum causing Braxton Hicks?

[peaceinthevalleyy]

I’m 38+2 weeks with my third baby. Yesterday afternoon I harvested colostrum for the first time this pregnancy (not a lot, just one 1ml syringe) and then last night was having pretty regular tightenings all night (about 15 minutes apart) until they tailed off this morning. I’ve had a couple of twinges today but nothing regular, and it’s felt more like pelvic pressure when I stand up or switch positions, than actual contractions.

Has anyone had this after harvesting colostrum? Is it likely to be Braxton Hicks? I didn’t have BH with either of my first two pregnancies so don’t really know what they feel like. The twinges I had in the night weren’t painful, just uncomfortable, and probably only lasted for 15-30 seconds. I really don’t want this baby to come yet as I’m not mentally or actually prepared 🤣

I think there is an association which is why midwives say not to start until after 37 weeks, so if you are truly not ready for baby to arrive then I would focus on that for the next couple of days, as labour could start with or without you doing any more harvesting!

I really do need to get my head in the game. I’m very much in denial! Does anyone have any tips?!

May I ask what the reason is for you harvesting your colostrum? Will your baby be expected to need special care?
Otherwise I’d lay off it and just wait for baby to come. There’s really no need generally. And if it has been recommended for some reason I would go back to the HCP who recommended and let them know about the BHCs and see what they say.

It's a very recent thing that all women are recommended to do. Seems to cause loads of stress, always plenty of threads on here with women worried they can't express any.

Seems like bad advice to me but it is currently standard. Won't be again in 10 years or so I reckon.

It came in handy with my first born who couldn’t latch properly, not so much my second born. But agreed, I’m going to knock it on the head!

My friend started doing that at 38+0 and then had her baby at 38+4, started the evening before suddenly as contractions, they got to the hospital at 1am just thinking they would get sent home and she was already 6cm. Had baby that morning. It was her first too. They were surprised she had her baby early, but then also casually dropped into the conversation about starting colostrum harvesting a few days before it. Maybe there is a reason midwives say from 37 weeks like a pp said.

Isn’t nipple stimulation a well know way to try and start labour?

I'm sure I will be the same, I'm 17 weeks with number 2 and absolutely in denial!

I think if I were you I would make a list and aim to do 1 of the most annoying/difficult jobs before midday every day for the next few days.

And let's be honest, there are very few things that a newborn actually NEEDS from day 1, so if baby comes tomorrow then you'll probably still be ok

I harvested at 37 + 3and baby came 37 + 5! It was so amazing to do it though and confidence building as I had always feared I wouldn't be able to breastfeed. Plus my baby was born with a bit of jaundice so the colostrum helped.

But in short, yes. It can cause braxton hicks/ bring on labour which is why they say don't do it before 37 weeks x

I harvested and it worked really well for me. I knew i was having a section and i didn't know what state i would be in after as i also had a cystectomy once the baby was out. She had her first 1ml of liquid gold from daddy while i was being sewn up.
It also meant my milk came in the next day and gaving loads of full syringes just gave us options.
But if this is your second then everything may happen quicker anyway.
Lucky you, i'd have loved another one x

Oh sorry - third ;)

My waters broke in the night so there we go 🤣