Colostrum XP

Mamasaurus

I already posted it to April 2012 Moms, but I thought I'd ask here, too. I appear to be getting colostrum already. I don't know anyone who had it this early, my books don't mention women getting it before 20 weeks, and now I am concerned about a couple of things. One is that I will start making regular milk too early. Another is mastitis--I've had it before from fluid from a broken cyst and was told to express fluid from my breasts if I think I have any to avoid getting it again. This is different, though, right? I was told not to pump before giving birth, so logically I shouldn't express manually either? Warmth seems to get it flowing, so to speak--I have seen it so far in the shower, when leaning over a heater, and when I had a hot water bottle under my breasts to ease rib pain. Will getting them warm be enough to keep fluid from sitting around and getting infected, do you think?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I am a first time mom who really wants to do everything right to make sure I can BF when my LO arrives. Thanks in advance for any advice or info. : )

namara5532

You're about where I was at when my boobs started leaking too.  I haven't had any complications so far except some growing pains.  Get a good nursing bra, and use breast pads if they start leaking more.  You shouldn't have to do anything with them unless they get painful.

It's always a good idea to mention it to your doctor though.  You're right that pumping is a bad idea right now because it can induce labor, but leaking early doesn't indicate you're going to get mastitis anyway.  I suggest just keeping an eye on things, don't make them leak on purpose, and keep your doctor informed.