Hand Expression/Pumping

I’m considering it

Hey! I have been trying it! My biggest reason to do it is mostly to get comfortable with the process ( bonus to have a little supply of colostrum if needed!) I’ve only been doing it for about 10 min a day for the last 3 days and all together collected 0.06 mls… which I’ve heard is a decent start! (So don’t expect a lot!) I like the Haaka silicone syringes I got because they can suction up the tiny drops!

@Emma My one hesitation is the patience required 😅 I don't want to get discouraged.

I think it is a good idea to start getting used to and have some on hand for baby as well. I heard that for some people it can cause you to go into labor, so I was delaying it but I’ll start trying this weekend

I’m considering doing it too. Tomorrow I’m 37 weeks, but I have to wait till I can get the colostrum collection syringes .

I’ve had relative success with the medela hand pump! I gave up trying to hand express.

These two videos were helpful (very repetitive 😆) for anyone wanting techniques https://globalhealthmedia.org/video/how-to-express-breastmilk/ https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html @Miranda I totally get not wanting to be discouraged. My rationale was the pressure is lower now than when baby is trying to latch! So I thought why not go through a few days of struggle to figure it out ahead of time rather than if babe is having trouble latching and this could help! 🥰 I tried it one day even before I got the syringes, so there was no pressure to collect, just see if I could get a drop or two to come out, that boosted my confidence a lot and helped me be proud and then patient with the process.

@Emma thank you!!