pumping before baby is born?

Question

I had a hard time breast feeding my first born because I didn't produce enough milk, had to stop when he was about 3 weeks old. I am determined to breast feed my 2nd but I'm scared the same thing will happen. I heard it helps if you start pumping a week before the baby comes, is that true? If not any other tips? Thanks 🙃

Answer

No. it is a waste of colostrum and can put you into labor. Try fenugreek, lactation cookies, etc. Talk to your lactation specialist.

Answer

My hospital encourages antenatal colostrum harvesting from 36 weeks - they teach you to hand express though because quantities are very small and if you use a pump a lot is lost because it sticks to the bits of the pump.  I'm hand expressing and collecting the colostrum in syringes that go in the freezer until they are needed. The lactation counsellor I saw said that in addition to the benefits of having the additional supply of colostrum for the baby if it's needed, in her experience mums who learn hand expression and practice before the birth have less difficulty breastfeeding when the baby arrives.  Also,  your supply of colostrum is constantly replenished until your milk comes in (which is triggered by hormone changes after the placenta is delivered) so expressing antenatally won't change when your milk comes in and means baby gets more colostrum not less as a lot of people who caution against expressing say (because they lack education on the subject or have been misinformed by people whose knowledge is out of date).

Answer

See a lactation consultant/local breastfeeding group. Breastfeeding is best supported through live contact.

Answer

I started at 37 weeks. If you're struggling you need to see a lactation consultant not your doctor. they're no help!

Answer

My midwife said I could pump from 37 weeks. 
It never made me go into labor.

Answer

I have the same problem... I was thinking about breastfeeding my second baby but then I figure that if I can't produce enough milk then maybe not... I even try the milk tea n it doesn't help... so I decide not to anymore...

pumping before baby is born?

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