Pumping/Harvesting Colostrum

I’m personally waiting until baby’s here. Was just at a breastfeeding class over the weekend, and the IBCLC said that anytime is fine since it won’t induce labor, but most people wait until after 36/37 weeks.

i started hand expressing just now (36 weeks) mostly to just get used to it and i want to make sure i have a good supply but definitely if you feel they’re getting full i would go ahead

I am using my collecting cups (no suction cups) now. On Friday i hit 37 weeks so i am cleared at my birthing center to birth there so i am going to try some hand expressing. I have been leaking since 14 weeks and get about 2ml a night now so i dont want to pull out the pump. (Mainly cause i dont want to continue to clean and sterilize it.)

i’m waiting until at least 37.5-38 weeks to bring out the pump but i’ve been hand expressing (i’m 36w5d) i just don’t want baby to come early and me not have enough collected

I’m waiting until 37 weeks. Hoping to have a good supply before she’s here 🙂

I low-key feel kinda dumb because I didn't know it was okay to start hand expressing or pumping before the baby was born. I was always under the assumption that it could put you into labor, so it was best if avoided. I guess it's good to learn something new every day!!

@Jen I didnt know with my first pregnancy at all. This is my 2nd and I still dont know what to do so asking around. Dont feel dumb 🤗 It can cause early labor which my OB shared today so I think I will do it closer to my due date.

@Mackenzie Shaw Are you using a hakka? I loved used a hakka vs pumping so that might be better anyways. Are you freezing what you are collecting now?

Hi! I started at 34 weeks using a hand pump. I only do it for 5 minutes on each side but have found the hand pump to be very effective. I have over 80 mL in the freezer! 😊