Collecting colostrum

@Kelly Ahh i seen the midwife today and i completely forgot to ask! that’s a lot! do you catch it in the syringe? i could imagine that to be hard xx

Yh just place the syringe slightly under where the bead of colostrum comes out and it just sort of goes in.. it's surprising really These are very thin 1ml syringes x

There’s some really good guides and a few good threads on here with info if you try search ☺️ x

My midwife says they don’t give them out in my area anymore, but I just got a load of syringes off Amazon for not too much so they may or may not be able to give you some. I collect it in a little pot and then draw it up with the syringe, date and freeze them. I just find it easier that way. Hope it goes well :)

Follow Theecomidwife Angie on TikTok, she has videos on how to hand express and collect colostrum, she's amazing

I asked for a colostrum kit at the hospital when I went for my scan! They gave me lots of syringes, a book with all the information and a little bag to put them in when going into labour.. I just squeezed my nipple to test and see if I had any as I haven’t leaked and some came out however because I’m only 35 weeks I’m holding off before actually collecting x

I sterilise a pot and collect it in there then syringe it up! I couldn’t get the hang of collecting directly into the syringe x

How do you store them? Do they go in the fridge or freezer? Xx

@Libbie in the freezer if you still have some time before baby's born. You can take them to the hospital with you in case your milk doesn't come in straight away

Thank you! Will they just defrost I’m guessing when you take them with you x

@Libbie Yeah I'd say they might take a couple hours to defrost, the labour ward at your hospital should also have a fridge to store it for you x

Just a warning - once it goes in that fridge it will be binned after 24 hours. So if you have a few it might be worth keeping some at home! Also make sure they are clearly labelled etc

Thank you for the tips! X

I find it much easier sterilising a teaspoon and squeezing it on to the spoon then drawing up into the syringe. That way my partner can also get involved, either he holds the spoon and i squeeze or vice versa. He feels really involved by helping out x