Colostrum at 22 weeks

So guys, Im leaking colostrum already and did the same with my son. I was told not to collect it because of early labor, and of course, I don't want that, but I collected for 3 months before my son, and he was born at 39 weeks. Is it a real thing, or do they just tell you that in the United States. I don't want to waste it if it's okay to collect.

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You can collect with a hakka just not a pump. A pump can induce early labor, yes.

@Harley what about hand expression

My understanding is that the colostrum will continue undergoing changes as your pregnancy progresses and it is not very nutrient dense at this stage, so not worth collecting. I would check with your OB to be sure!

@Lauren my ob said not to collect at all, not even later on....

@Rachelle I personally wouldn't recommend hand expression, I would wear collection cups, and empty them out at the end of the day and freeze them. I'm a doula, if you had any other questions you could personally message me!

The stimulation of hand expression would be the same as a pump so I would avoid this early. Doctors will also say that collecting colostrum it’s not as beneficial as it’s made out to seem because the nutrients that is produced in colostrum during pregnancy/early days of postpartum are specifically tailored for where your baby is at developmentally. As they grow with the nutrients in the colostrum is less effective because what they need is different. But some moms feel differently and always do your own research. I do collect and I know others who have made the decision to do the same, it’s just what your beliefs and preference is!

I had a situation from breastfeeding my last which prompted the conversation - but my ob said I could hand express she said if I was 30 weeks she would be more hesitant but it was fine. She said if at any point while hand expressing I started cramping to just stop

Hmmm.. I think excessive expressing COULD cause early labor. There's women still breastfeeding another baby at this point in pregnancy, and have done so since the beginning of humanity. My husband also pays a lot of attention to my breasts, and especially loves them when I'm pregnant (if you ladies understand) and I didnt have any problems with my first pregnancy (this is our second).