Mommies who are planning to breastfeed/pump

here for the comments:) i didn't know you could do this

@Cat yes colostrum is what comes in before your breast milk!! People refer to it as liquid gold and it’s amazing for when baby or you are sick because of all the nutrients it has in it! I just never know when to start trying to collect and or how lol!

You should get cleared by your doctor or midwife prior to collection as it can start contractions. In the breastfeeding class I took they said to hand express it as it will get lost in the pump parts as it is such a small amount. You can collect it into a little medicine cup, syringe, or haakaa sells collection tubes on Amazon. They also explained that it’s not really something you need to do but it is an option!

@Mattison thank you!! I’m waiting to hear back from my doctor just curious on process since it’ll be my first time actually trying to collect!

@Lili got it!! Here is a helpful video on how to hand express - she uses the same technique they taught in the class I took. https://youtu.be/WIrhDf-2d8w?si=BHYRYKEefL78WNod

@Lili i knew about colostrum i just heard it came in right after you give birth and you only have it for a couple days until your milk supply comes in

I started collecting at 36 weeks and 5 days. Every 3 days for 15-20 minutes depending on how strong my leakage is that day. Currently going into my 38th week. No contractions and not as painful as I thought it’d be. I use a breast pump and I’ve collected a total of 2 mL to store in a milk bag and I keep it frozen and just add to it each time I collect. I don’t have any pregnancy risks but I’m trying to desensitize my nips and get my milk ducts a flowin :) Also helps that I’ll have something so beneficial to feed her right out the womb.

Going to start closer to 38 weeks, so in just a few days for myself. I was told I could start at 36 weeks, but I needed to measure my nipples for the correct flange size and order some silicone inserts for my flanges. I also was putting it off a little too just because I really don’t want her to come early 🤣 trying to make it to our due date!!