No colostrum at 36 weeks before C-section, should I worry?

[firsttimepregnanthelp]

I am 36+1 and having a C section. Tried to get some colostrum today but got absolutely nothing. i really want to breastfeed and so much seems to be made of collecting colostrum. How will I feed my baby until my milk comes in if I have no colostrum?

I breastfed fine after a GA C section
Before colostrum collecting was a thing
you’ll be fine
Hope everything goes smoothly x

Meh i didnt get one drop during pregnancy. Had a ce section and my colostrum came in very quick. Baby regained his birth weight within a week. Please dont stress! And talk to your midwife about your concerns x

Breastfed after 3 emc. Second was a crash section under ga. It will likely be fine. I had zero feeding issues

Same as above, one em c at 41 weeks and another planned c at 37 weeks. Nada beforehand and then plenty once they arrived. I don’t really understand how it all works but my body seemed to know what to do when. Good luck with everything.

Never got any colostrum before the births but I breastfed after both my C sections. It was a rough start with the first baby who struggled to latch and had a bottle or two in hospital, but otherwise plain sailing.

Breast milk production is triggered due to hormonal drops when the placenta is removed.

I wish all HCP that talk about colostrum collection would tell women this. It's almost mean not to because it cause so many women undue worry and stress.

Know I'm off my high horse.
You can feed perfectly well without collecting colostrum. I can get bare a drop out pre birth and the not much more post birth birth but have breastfeed 3 children for around 4 years each. Plenty of milk just rubbish at expressing.

Hope everything goes really well for the birth and new born phase.

Two sections, zero colostrum until baby was about 24H old with my first (or anything that I could express). Lots of skin to skin, keep bringing baby to the breast and ask for help breastfeeding while you're in hospital and you'll probably be fine!

This wasn’t even considered until recent years.. milk comes after birth to feed newborns. Get off insta and chill.

I’ve literally had my baby a week ago via planned c section. I couldn’t for the life of me get any colostrum before baby arrived and we’ve had no issues feeding since he’s been here.

Try not to worry and just trust your body. I had some great midwife’s looking after me whilst we were in hospital who gave some great advice about feeding so just make sure you keep asking if you’re having difficulty.

OP I’m sorry my response was abrupt. Please don’t worry. Your body won’t let you or your baby down. Please don’t stress about this in the final days of your pregnancy.. relax in to it… and I hope all goes well x

Don't worry. It's there, but for many (myself included) for love nor money (or lack of trying) it just won't come out until after birth. I had a vaginal birth at 37+1 and an emergency C-section at 37+6. Breastfeeding (once the jaundice was out of the way) went fine.

Before my son in 2022 I was also told I could start collecting colostrum at 36 weeks due to being induced for medical reasons. I would never get enough to actually collect but was still able to breastfeed straight after my Em CS. Think your body just knows when it’s needed X

I was very similar to you and didn’t get any out at all- with a pump at hospital lots came out. Don’t worry baby will be ok.

I was advised to collect colostrum because I had gestational diabetes. I only got about 2 mL at a time. I then went on to produce no milk at all.

I am not saying this to discourage you. Just to let you know it’s unpredictable. If you don’t produce (enough) milk, don't worry. We are lucky enough to have a safe alternative in formula milk, and your baby will be just fine. Both my babies thrived being exclusively formula fed. You have enough worries, how you feed your baby should not be one of them.

best of luck x

I’ve fed after an EMCS and elective, no harvesting whatsoever. One fed to almost 4 years old and we’re 4 months going strong on number 2, I wouldn’t worry about this harvesting thing

For me milk came in around 3 days PP

I found the first baby much harder I had no clue what to do and no support so if you have anyone in real life you could ask or help show you what to do you might find that helpful

best of luck!