Colostrum help!
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Thank you so much! I thought that was the case but wanted to check! It’s taken me ages to get anything worth keeping so hopefully it will get easier now!
Yep, I just asked my midwife during my 36w appt on Friday, and she said even if it's 1ml, keep everything and freeze it. 0.2ml is great for the first go - the fact that you managed to get *something* is brilliant. The only way is up.
@T thank you so much! I was so proud of myself!
I was advised that the syringe can be kept in the fridge between 2-4c for 48 hours (although I have been starting a new syringe every morning, and attempt to express 2-3 times throughout the day) 🤷♀️ x
@Rhi this is what I wondered, could I use the same syringe for possibly the same day? But I just couldn’t find anything definitive!! I feel like I’m going to have about 900 half filled syringes at this point 😂😂
https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/media/367596/MI-27-Colostrum-Harvesting-llt-v2-web.pdf This is an NHS leaflet that states 48 hours (but I use a new syringe every morning) - talk to your midwife and see what they advise? Mine says I can use the same syringe, as I can start my day only producing half a ml, and my last ‘express’ session can give me 2.5ml!! As long as it’s within the day, I can’t see any issue xx
@Rhi wow that’s incredible!!!! I’m really hoping that I get a bigger production now I kind of know what to do!! Well done you!
A couple of tips that might help - 1. Place a warm flannel over your boobs for about 5-10 minutes before and after massaging - start massaging from your armpit down to your areolas, as this will help stimulate your nipples. I started massaging mine in the bath or in a warm shower :) 2. Don’t feel disheartened if you only get a few drops here and there to begin with, as everyone’s production levels are different. 3. If you start to feel cramping/braxton hicks, please stop and give yourself a break. 4. I like to have some of my favourite music or a show on to keep me relaxed ☺️ Over time, you may begin to express more! I only started with 0.2ml xx
@Rhi this is so helpful, thank you so much!! Appreciate all of these tips so much!
I follow the same rules as breastmilk storage according to NHS guidelines.
It took me a couple of weeks to get out a good amount to be worth collecting. The first few weeks I did not collect. You need to freeze straight away. Do not use the same syringe. Yiu need to also write the date on them if you are planning on taking them to hospital.