Welcome to my 36 week colostrum harvesting blog update. This week I'm doing a video update as there isn't a huge amount else to write about other than the fact that I am still pregnant and I have been expressing my colostrum since week 27 of pregnancy and storing it since week 28.
It's important to note that I still do not have any signs of preterm labour (a major concern for some women who may not be having a low risk pregnancy), which is why expressing colostrum antenatally from an early stage in pregnancy in the third trimester is very controversial. I have been following advice from the La Leche League and ideally I wanted to be expressing twice a day from week 36, however due to to other commitments I have not been able to do this so I have kept to my once a day routine in the evening.
This week of my pregnancy has been very busy. I have wrapped up at work and I'm very pleased to be starting my maternity leave. I've also been nesting quite a lot and wanting to reorganize most of the house which my husband loves... not 😂
My 36 week video blog update
In this video update, I touch on:
- Expressing colostrum from week 36 of pregnancy (well, technically I'm 37 weeks pregnant when filming)
- Giving colostrum to a sick toddler
- Donating colostrum in the UK - Useful link for donating colostrum (Facebook group) Human Milk 4 Human Babies - UK: https://www.facebook.com/HM4HBUK
- Things that influence colostrum supply
- What storage syringes to use
My Colostrum Harvesting Diary at Week 36 of Pregnancy - Week commencing 23rd February 2021
My last day of expressing was 22nd February 2021. I have only been able to express once a day due to time constraints however I will attempt to express twice daily going forwards. I have spent longer at each breast, around 10-15 mins per side.
23rd February - 7.4ml
24th February - 8.4ml
25th February - 9.3ml
26th February - 13.1ml
27th February - 12.1ml
28th February - 10.9ml
1st March - 7.9ml
Total expressed for the week: 69.10ml
Total expressed to date: 350.05ml
My pattern of antenatal expressing of colostrum over time since week 28:
Average daily volume expressed in week 36 of pregnancy = 9.8ml
The rate of increase in volume of colostrum expressed continues to rise in a steady curve which is a good thing - we don't want it too steep!
Interestingly, this week the rate of increase in colostrum volume expressed seems to match the steady increase from week 34. Perhaps this will change when I start to express twice day.
Can you give colostrum to sick toddlers?
Yes you can give sick toddlers colostrum. The antibodies mum develops will be present in the colostrum and will help and support toddler's immune system to fight off any viruses. The only thing you need to remember is to give them your most recent expresses which will contain the most relevant antibodies. Basically, antibodies in colostrum works in the same way as breastmilk.
You'll also need to defrost the frozen colostrum for a couple of minutes in warm water, then add it to the already warmed milk if you're mixing it. This is to prevent any destruction of antibodies if, like me, you choose to quickly microwave your little one's bottle instead of using a bottle warmer... And yes, it's also controversial to microwave your baby's/toddler's milk as it can leave hot spots but as long as the milk is well stirred/mixed after microwaving, it'll be fine. I've always microwaved baby milk as my little one usually demands milk instantly! 5 mins is too long for him to wait...
So to recap, it's fine to give warmed colostrum to toddlers direct or mixed with milk. I've mixed with cows milk as that's what my little one is currently on, however you can also mix with formula.
My Disclaimers
Firstly, I'm not a medical professional; I am simply a mum second time round and I'm just documenting my experience, that is all. This blog is not intended to be taken as advice or guidance in any way, but if it helps somebody make a more informed decision because they have read a bit more information on my experience then I'm glad to be of help. I would strongly advise people to talk to their medical professional first before expressing colostrum antenatally to ensure it is safe to do so.
Secondly, I need to provide a bit of background information about myself. I am 32 years old, I am a low risk pregnancy due on 23rd March 2021. I started producing colostrum naturally from week 27 of my pregnancy which is when I noticed the discomfort in my breasts, hence why I discovered how much I was producing and thought it was worthwhile saving. I already have a 15 month old boy who was initially breast fed but is now bottle fed cow's milk - this small gap between the pregnancies may have a part to play in influencing my body chemistry second time round.
Thirdly, this is a personal blog, not a scientific one. I'm simply documenting my thoughts, feelings, actions and anything useful that I can find, mostly for my own benefit.
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Read my week 37 blog to find out about the next installment of my colostrum harvesting diary.
Links to My Blogs on Antenatal Expressing of Colostrum
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