When should we be able to express colostrum by hand? FTM

momming247

I read anywhere from 16-22 weeks you are able to express colostrum by hand (no leaking but with effort). I have absolutely nothing and no sign of anything being made. Will I be able to breastfeed? I am currently 21 weeks.

CEB37

Some people can and some people can't until they give birth or just shortly before. It's not anything to worry about just yet. And really, you should lay off the nipple stimulation, because it can cause pre-mature labor.

amberrmariee20

I leaked with my first pregnancy at maybe 15-16 weeks... And my son was breastfed just fine...
But I'm 22 weeks and have no leaking with this pregnancy yet and I'll more then likely still be able to breastfeed ! Everyone is different, and I agree with PP, leave your nipples alone, it can cause pre term labor ! Plus who wants sore nips ?

LuiOchosa

I'm a ftm too. I think you will be able to breastfeed as long as you want to. Breastfeeding is another wonderful work of our hormones.

Breastfeeding usually starts after giving birth. Colostrum is moma's super healthy first milk. (So don't worry too much if you're not yet leaking, seeing no colostrum coming out while you're still prego. It will when it's time.) Btw, early skin-to-skin contact between momma and baby, helps baby to start feeding.

komorebi

Don't worry about colostrum until the baby is born. You may or may not be able to express milk ahead of time, but once we're in our third trimester too much stimulation might bring on labor or make your uterus grumpy and tired.

christina4436

Few days prior to birth

mommy_wife_nurse

I'm 21 weeks FTM and have been leaking since 18 weeks. Also if I bump my one breast, it will leak too. More so one more than the other. Dr said it's perfectly normal for clear or yellow right now. I just went ahead and bought some nursing pads and wear them daily! It's not a lot, but it's enough to get all over my bra some days.

LiveNLove44

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn't leak until after DD had arrived. My colostrum and milk came in right on time and supply was great. I didn't need to leak early to be able to BF. Something about trying to hand express it this early seems off to me.