This was so helpful! My breastfeeding journey with my first baby was difficult and I gave up too early. We are currently trying for baby #2 and I want to try breast feeding again. I do have a question. How do you feed your baby the colostrum? With the syringe? Or do you transfer it into a bottle?
Hi. That's so lovely to hear that it's helped you! So with colostrum you can feed directly from a syringe. I've got a video going up in the next few weeks on how to do this :) If you've had a tough journey first time around and want to change things this time I'd love to chat to you! I have a breastfeeding coaching program launching later in the year and you might be a perfect fit. My email is alissa@motherandmilk.co.uk
You can keep any breastmilk (colostrum included) for 6 months in a separate freezer (not like the little freezer compartments in a fridge) although ideally use it within 3 months :)
Hi. How can I collect multiple times in the same syringe? Is my first time & barely produced 1ml on my first session, but I don’t know how to collect again in the same one. I’m using the haakaa collectors. Thank you!
It’s really normal to only get 0.5ml/1ml especially when you first start so that’s great! I usually suggest to clients that they start by using 1ml syringes anyway so you can just defrost small amounts at a time when baby needs it as theyll only take little and often :) If you’re having another go at expressing within an hour or two you can collect in the same syringe as it’s safe at room temp for 3-4 hours but beyond that or once you’ve refrigerated or frozen it, it’s best to use a fresh syringe.
How is Colostrum fed to baby? I'm a FTM and am now home. I've started to collect and keep in the fridge but didn't know how to give it to baby. Thanks!
Thaw it out in hot water while it’s in the container, when thawed make sure it’s warm not hot. Test by dropping a small amount on your wrist. You can transfer to a spoon or syringe and slowly let baby drink it
You can collect in any container - just make sure it’s clean and ideally sterilised. And able to be sealed. You can also order colostrum syringes easily on Amazon :) or ask your midwife
Don’t lose heart - depending on how many weeks you are it can take some time. Try putting a warm compress on your breast and doing some massage beforehand, and relax with something entertaining on tv, or get your partner to give you a shoulder massage - let the oxytocin flow!! :)
