When should i get colostrum

[Lunafreja]

Should be noted i had a full anchor breast reduction back in 2020 and am aware it just simply might not happen for me.

im 35+4 weeks and have been keeping an eye on my breast development throughout pregnancy, I would like to breast feed but know it might not happen. However I’m struggling to see the signs of colostrum coming in. I know I should wait until 37 weeks to start harvesting but the last 2 days I’ve been following NHS guidelines for hand harvesting to see if there is anything there. So far nothing. Is this a strong sign it might not happen at all? Or is there still a chance I’m too early? From my understanding guidelines suggest waiting for risk of premature not necessarily production.

I never had a hint of colostrum before either baby was born. I’ve got no idea how I’d have harvested any. BF both no problem for ages.

I was the same as @Talipesmum

I collected colostrum with my first from about 36 weeks. The first drops took quite a lot of trying to get out, both in terms of time and finding the specific way I needed to hand express. This time, my midwife told me I could start collecting from 32 weeks so long as it didn't cause contractions. I did check and was able to get some at 32/33 weeks, but I've not bothered trying to collect it. I breastfed previously and am happy to have a few extra weeks of enjoying not having the hassle of hand expressing 😅. I think it's quite common not to be and to hand express, or pump anything, but having no trouble breastfeeding.

I never collected any. Don't stress about it if you won't succeed.

I didn't collect any with either of mine but had plenty when they arrived.

If you do end up collecting some and freezing it, just be aware that many hospitals don't have freezer storage for it which can result in it going to waste.
So don't take multiple syringes at once when you go to hospital, ideally just have someone bring what you need that will defrost and be used straight away.

Ditto.

I didn't have a hint of anything changing or any signs of colostrum until after the birth, both times. I don't think I could have managed to get any colostrum out before delivery, and I don't see the point of it other than to stress women out in late stage pregnancy.

Please be careful hand expressing before 37weeks. Its one of the only old wives tales that actually has modern evidence to support it in bringing on labour.

I was never able to express colostrum before either of my births, but the midwives helped me after birth and it was there. So try not to worry. Finding a good local lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group will help for the first few weeks.

37 weeks now I’ve been massaging and had expressing per NHS guidelines every other day with no success. Going to keep going and trying but seems like I won’t get a drop :(

Honestly don’t worry about it. Just let your baby feed when they arrive, and focus on resting up and getting ready. Don’t make yourself feel like you are failing in this - it’s really not important and it’s not easy- I was a great breast feeder but it never occurred to me to try to get colostrum early, and given how terrible I was at expressing I’m not at all sure I’d have managed it. It’s not at all the same as feeding your baby.

Just seconding that. Not being able to get any now is not indicative of not having any at all. This whole thing about harvesting is very new and really unnecessarily stresses out new mothers.

Not a drop till after both my babes were born.

I did start at 36 weeks as I was noticing it anyway but I found for me it was always in the wee hours of the morning if I got up to use the loo. Prolactin levels are much higher at night so you're more likely to produce colostrum then. I'd be inclined to try then but it's still early so don't worry. Is there a specific reason why you want to collect colostrum ahead of the birth? I found it took me quite a while to get used to hand expressing and I had to be warm and relaxed. After a bath in a warm room at night was a good time. Its not really indicative for supply etc so don't stress over it.

I never had any until I gave birth but breastfed successfully twice. Don't stress about it, sounds like yet another thing to make first time mums stress about , definitely doesn't mean you won't be able to breastfeed