Help! Early pumping?

Question

So I had a home visit the other week (I'm 36 weeks and 4 days today) the lady told me I could start practicing with my breast pump now and freeze anything I manage to get, so I gave it a go and got an ounce out between both breasts, but I've just looked online and it says you shouldn't do it before baby's born!, I'm so scared now incase I've done it wrong, the midwife told me I could but everyone online says no?

Answer

i always thought first pump was the most important to feed baby.   the colostrum

Answer

No need to worry. You will still have colostrum when the babies born. Nipple stimulation can bring on labor though! I plan on doing some pumping next week when I'm 39 weeks 😉

Answer

I don't think you should pump with a machine before the birth, can't remember why exactly but I have been told that. If your midwife/doctor says it's ok you can start hand expressing colostrum and freezing it in 1-2ml syringes (obviously with no needle). I got the go ahead at my 36 week appointment and she gave me some syringes to get started. It should last to 3 months in a standard freezer. 
I am taking a few to hospital with me when I go into labour so if for some reason the baby and I are separated and I'm unable to breastfeed his first feeds will still be colostrum and not formula and he will be finger fed not bottle to reduce the chances of nipple confusion and bottle preference. I also then have backup incase he needs top up feeds after breastfeeding for the first day or two. 
Don't worry your body will produce more colostrum, many woman breastfeed during pregnancy and have colostrum for the baby when it is born. It is the hormonal changes from birth and the placenta no longer being attached that triggers the transition from colostrum to milk and it takes on average 3-5 days.

Answer

Your colostrum replenishes don't worry :)

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You should still have colostrum when your baby comes so don't panic like using your pump once has suddenly caused you to become a milk factory. It is weird your midwife suggested it and if I were you I'd ask about it when you see her next and figure out her logic. But anyway, you should continue producing colostrum until your baby comes out and gets some. Don't panic.

Answer

You can express anytime from 37 weeks onwards. If you research  about it evidence suggest this helps milk supply after baby is born. Your body will replace any colostrum that you express within hours. It is recommended by midwifes and lactation consultants that expressing colostrum can help bring on labour naturally and if you are planning on having a c-section sometimes it takes longer for your milk to come in so they recommend having a store of colostrum so your baby is fed colostrum and not topped up with formula. Although some mummy's unfortunately  just can't express or breastfeed .

Answer

I've heard plenty of people pump, freeze and feed that milk to the baby without issues unsure why everyone is freaking out. It's not like you pumped and threw it away...

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I thought pumping led to contractions.

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It's recommended not to pump before baby is born because the first milk is mostly colostrum which is an amazing protein for those first few days. I would not pump any more. I don't know what your midwife was thinking. I've never heard anyone say it was okay.

Help! Early pumping?

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