How much colostrum to bring?

I took about 6 syringes in for my planned section. We went home the next day and that was about the right amount. I didn’t want to take too many in for risk of them defrosting, so only took a few and planned for someone to bring more up if we stayed longer/needed them x

Could you check with your delivery hospital if they have a fridge / freezer they can store them in and based off that how much they recommend?

Don’t stress too much about it. I had a section and have my next section booked but neither pregnancies have I made any colostrum beforehand. I took nothing to the hospital as I made nothing. Within an hour of being out of theatre I was feeding my girl. I had midwife support and fed her colostrum for 4 days before my supply turned on. They will help you get started even if you have nothing xxx

@Sarah when I had my first (who is 11 years old now) colostrum harvesting wasn’t even a thing. When she was born she really struggled to latch, we had to do formula top ups which didn’t help and my nipples were absolutely ruined meaning I’d cry my eyes out in pain during every attempt at feeding. I wasn’t given any support or help by the midwives as they were just massively understaffed (which hasn’t changed). I also ended up having to stay in hospital for 5 nights/6 days due to complications from my first C-section and honestly it was the worst time of my life. I felt like an absolute failure and my daughter would just scream and scream. I’m really anxious about it happening again so knowing I’ve got the colostrum there even if I don’t end up using it makes me feel so much more relaxed.

@Rebecca ohh I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t have a good latch either and tbh I hated BF with a passion and it hurt me for months but I think the push for breastfeeding now has encouraged midwives to offer more support. Having a few syringes to hand is great if you have them but try not to stress over needing a certain number to be “successful”. Ask if your hospital has a lactation consultant and stress to the midwives that you want and need support to try feed baby. I hope you have an easier recovery this time around, complications can delay things and cause hormones to go a bit haywire. Electives are pretty chill though compared to emergencies and recoveries generally a lot smoother. If you are making colostrum now though, you’re doing amazing! xx

@Sarah thanks! I also had a very long and traumatic labour with my first prior to the C-section so I’m hoping having an elective this time will be so much nicer! Breastfeeding is so hard isn’t it! Really hoping it’ll be a smoother journey, or at the very least I’ll be more informed and prepared this time. Yes I’m getting a really good amount of colostrum thankfully and my daughter bless her is like my little cheerleader giving me high five’s and keeps telling me I should be really proud of myself 😂

We took 10 syringes. We used 4. At that was only because the midwife was getting irritated about something not being done on her time scale so I got hubby to feed baby the colostrum so the midwife could do whatever it was she was getting irritated about (I just didn't like her full stop but the rest were great)