Collecting colostrum

You can collect from 36wks!

Hi ladies, I’m 34 weeks but don’t notice any signs that my colostrum will Come in, did anyone have any signs that this was going to happen to them? Im a bit concerned that my breast milk won’t come in

I spoke with my midwife today 34+4 and she said as long as you're leaking it, you can start gently massaging and trying to squeeze it from the boob, avoiding pinching the nipple. I started collecting wk33 and already have about 40ml in syringes in the freezer, hope you can collect much more!

Thank you all! That’s really good to know, I’m going to start collecting then 🥰

@Charlotte I haven’t had any signs! My boobs and nips have been quite tender for the whole of my pregnancy so didn’t really notice any difference but I’ve just noticed my nipple now has like a creamy/yellow discharge as such. But this is the first time I’ve noticed it. I really wouldn’t worry yet, it’s still early days. Trust your body xx

@Simona that’s really interesting I’m 34 weeks too and I’m leaking constantly and I feel like I’m just wasting it by wiping it with a tissue

@Charlotte im 35 weeks 5 days and i have no signs of it coming in either !

@Simona that was the same for me I asked the advice of the midwife. I’ve been hand expressing since 34+3. Before then I bought the Elvie Breast Shells which collecting the leaking I’ve been having since 20 weeks that way I wasn’t expressing too early. They cost me like £20 from Argos and were comfortable to wear inside my bra. I would sterilise after each use. Hope that helps xx

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9480360 This is a link to the collection cups I got x

@Charlotte some women don’t get any signs. Some leak, others don’t. I didn’t leak at all (still am not leaking at 38W), yet a few days ago I started collecting and have gotten full syringes. So honestly don’t worry lol. Also - colostrum collecting or leaking has no effect on your breastfeeding journey. So even if you can’t collect it, it means absolutely nothing in regards to your ability to breastfeed

I was told to collect from 37 but I was leaking so much I started at 36+4 😂 I’m now 37+2 and 17ml stored in my freezer