Colostrum Harvesting Kit & Free Hypnobirthing Script

Product Information

The oxytocin hormone released when expressing, stimulates the uterus. Opinions differ on whether expressing colostrum antenatally is likely to induce labour. Those who advocate it do not believe that expressing would constitute sufficient stimulation to start labour. Sex while pregnant and breastfeeding through pregnancy both release oxytocin and both are generally considered safe while pregnant. If you experience any cramping in your uterus however, you should stop expressing and discuss your choice with your healthcare provider. Lactationaiding foods/drinks and sweet things to increase sugar amounts in colostrum are not necessary

To raise blood sugar levels the baby needs to feed as much as possible. Even though many mothers manage to successfully breastfeed, some babies still require further top-up feeds and some have difficulties feeding and therefore require bottle or cup feeds. In more concerning situations, babies born to gestational diabetes mothers may need an NG tube or a glucose/dextrose infusion. You can start collecting and storing colostrum from 37 weeks gestation, and can continue after birth up until your milk comes in. Having a supply of colostrum can help you and your baby in many ways. If your baby is sleepy or having difficulty getting started, colostrum can give them the energy they need to start breastfeeding and this will help you by relieving any stress, anxiety or pressure you may feel. If you are unsure if your pregnancy is low risk, please speak to your midwife. In a survey Gestational Diabetes UK ran in 2016, from 1,308 answers 77% (1,005 ladies) were not happy with the information and support giving around colostrum harvesting at their hospital It heartbreaking actually because they ended up having to put in drips and things to stabilise it [BGL]. (GDM, 40s)All Syringes have easy to read measuring markers, making it easy to see how much Colostrum you have collected. At first, only small drops will appear but just keep going as it will help build up your supply. With practice and a little more time, milk will flow freely. This is a common myth says Leila: “Research shows that hand expressing colostrum is highly unlikely to induce labour. If it was that easy, we wouldn’t need to induce so many pregnancies!” What are colostrum harvesting kits? Colostrum actually has more in common with blood than it does with breast milk since it’s full of white blood cells and immune-boosting properties. It contains antibodies that protect your newborn against disease and infection and bioactives that help to activate their immune system, jumpstart gut function, and seed a healthy gut microbiome in the first few days of life, giving your baby the best possible start. Easy for newborns to digest You can start collecting colostrum from 36 weeks pregnant but it is never too late to start. How do I start colostrum harvesting?

Breast pumps should be used with caution antenatally due to the expression being stronger than with hand expressing. If you decide to use a breast pump then use it sensibly and stop expressing if you notice any tightenings or contractions. Storing colostrum Hand expressing is advised for antenatal colostrum harvesting. Hand expressing is when you use your hand to massage and squeeze the breast to extract colostrum as the guide above explains. Even if your baby doesn’t need it, there’s possibilities that other babies would be able to use it as well. (GDM, 40s) During pregnancy your breasts will start to produce colostrum – the timing varies from person to person. You can collect and freeze this milk from 37 weeks of your pregnancy. This is known as harvesting colostrum and the advantages of this include This technique involves expressing colostrum in the final few weeks of pregnancy. It can also be referred to as ‘colostrum harvesting’ and is advocated by some NHS Trusts.Colostrum is called “liquid gold” for a reason. Here are some of the reasons why it may be beneficial to harvest. It might help you produce milk Do ask if the hospital has an Infant Feeding Specialist who will be well informed about breastfeeding and a source of support in those early days. A handy technique Colostrum is very concentrated and will come out of your breast drop by drop. At first, only a few drops will come out at each session, but with practice and time, you should get more. I knew very early that I’d be having a (caesarean section). So should’ve anything happen there was that (colostrum) there. (GDM, 30s) Antenatal colostrum harvesting is when the mother collects or expresses the colostrum from the breast during pregnancy before the baby is born and freezes it for use after birth.

Colostrum is high in protein and other nutrients that are easy for babies to digest when they’re born, making it easy to feed them if they’re struggling with nursing or they’re losing weight. It could help reduce jaundice If the drops don’t appear at the breast, try moving your fingers slightly towards the nipple or further away, and try a gentle massage. Avoid sliding your fingers over your skin as this may cause discomfort. If the colostrum does not flow, try moving your fingers slightly towards the nipple or further away, finding the spot that works best for you. You could also try gently massaging your breast. When you’re pregnant, you’re trying to figure it out anyway and then you’ve got the added complication of diabetes. (GDM, 20s)It also contains the perfect balance of proteins, fats and micronutrients needed for human babies as well as acting as a laxative to help the passing of the first tarry meconium stools.