Colostrum Collection

Lilmanx

i am currently 37 1/2 weeks along. I've been lactating for over a month now. I'm curious about some opinions on collecting colostrum via hand extraction before baby comes?

I've had several friends refer to it as "liquid gold" in terms of early nutrition. However, my research into the matter suggests that only women with diabetes or those at high risk of having low birthweight babies would actually benefit from it.

We are not anticipating any complications and I have had surprisingly good luck with my health, weight, and everything else, so I'd just like some input from other women. The good, the bad, and the ugly are encouraged. The mean, on the other hand, is unnecessary. No need for that.

frog11gy

That "liquid gold" will be produced up to day 3-4 post partum. The surge/change then happens to produce the volume of milk necessary to sustain your babies feedings and growth spurts. Medela has great resources available online and so does the Le Leche League. I wouldn't bother hand expressing prior to babies arrival. This is my third pregnacy and trust me your body knows what your baby needs. When ever you are in doubt or need help the hospital should have a lactation consultant to assist you with anything.

mle106

I have nothing snarky to say about colostrum.

I've been leaking for a couple of months now. I heard it doesn't really give any indication of future breastfeeding success, but my midwife was glad to hear that I was "spontaneously leaking" which I take to be a good thing, haha. I leave the girls alone and just wear reusable pads all.the.time now so I don't ruin my bras.

ETA: I second what was said earlier about liquid gold- that's powerful stuff for baby's health and growth in those first few days before your milk comes in.

Allie429

Would that be considered nipple stimulation? I heard that was not good to do as it could start labor. If you are leaking, they do make milkies (??) or a milk saver bag you can wear that collects leaking milk. That way you could have some ready to go when baby arrives.

Lilmanx

I've seen people get crazy rude on here for no reason. It was simply a light-hearted attempt at hoping no one makes my hormonal self cry for asking a question. Thanks.

Lilmanx

Xoxolicia said:

I promise, deleting those last two sentences will go over much better. Even though you mean it light-heartedly, it doesn't come off that way. You're asking for trouble by adding it.

I'm genuinely interested in this thread. Please take the advice from someone that's been part of this community for 9 months. Otherwise, enjoy the snark.

Snark.

You mean like someone dictating to me how I post, and then telling me not to dictate replies? Or someone who will claim to be interested in the thread but only say anything about my simple REQUEST that people keep responses kind?

You mean that kind of snark? How about you answer the question or just leave. This forum is for discussing pregnancy. This thread is for gathering opinions on colostrum. I don't think anyone posts anything on here hoping to have some self-important member tell us how we should be asking questions or requesting feedback.

I know I didn't post this to have you tell me what to do. And newsflash: I've been on here for nine months too. Experience means nothing. Someone who joined yesterday still has the power of understanding common decency.

Lilmanx

frog11gy said:

That "liquid gold" will be produced up to day 3-4 post partum. The surge/change then happens to produce the volume of milk necessary to sustain your babies feedings and growth spurts. Medela has great resources available online and so does the Le Leche League. I wouldn't bother hand expressing prior to babies arrival. This is my third pregnacy and trust me your body knows what your baby needs. When ever you are in doubt or need help the hospital should have a lactation consultant to assist you with anything.

Thanks!
This is exactly what I was looking for.

HayleyBug55

I agree with @Xoxolicia‌ the last two sentences ruined it and then the way you responded when she NICELY told you this ruined it even more. I will,however,answer your question. Just leave it alone whether you plan on breast feeding or not. Trying to collect it could trigger labor through the nipple stimulation. Just wear a pad to keep the leaking from showing. After baby is here you can do whatever you want but for your baby's sake just leave it alone for now.

Beth.1212

Your body will produce colostrum for as long as your baby should be drinking it. No need to collect any beforehand, as a general rule. Also, I would talk to your dr/midwife before engaging in any nipple stimulation. As PP said, it's supposed to possibly bring on labor. (Though some women nurse their 1st LO for their whole pregnancy.)

Also, OP, I sympathize with your desire to avoid rude/harsh posts, but people are going to respond the way that they want to. Asking them to post in a certain way won't deter those who want to respond in a different way. I'd suggest just brushing off any responses you don't like in the future rather than trying to get people to respond in a certain way. Just my two cents.