Colostrum Harvesting Kit & Free Hypnobirthing Script

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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 If your baby is experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding at this time, you may be encouraged to express some fresh colostrum to give to your baby. You may also use any colostrum you have brought into hospital with you in preference to using any formula. If you are collecting small amounts of colostrum, you can use the same syringe for 24 hours before freezing, as long as you store it in the fridge in between collecting. Will my NHS midwife provide me with all the information I need on colostrum harvesting? Using your thumb and the rest of your fingers in a C shape, gently squeeze this area – this shouldn’t hurt.

sterile syringes are best for collecting colostrum which can be bought in pharmacies or online. We find 1ml the best as each syringe can be defrosted and used without any wastage. Step 11. Refrigerate or freeze your colostrum. Use a Tupperware box or a suitable freezer bag to store your colostrum. Even if your baby doesn’t need it, there’s possibilities that other babies would be able to use it as well. (GDM, 40s) If you're keen to learn more about colostrum harvesting and give it a go, we've answered all your questions, from the advantages of harvesting to exactly how to do it. What are the pros and cons of colostrum harvesting? Before you begin harvesting colostrum, you might want to practice hand expressing. It can be helpful to practice in the bath or shower while you get used to the technique. Colostrum is produced in very small quantities, so using a pump doesn’t work well for collection.When instructing parents on using the device, remind them to always remove the cap from the tip of the syringe prior to use. Make sure you let your midwives know if you're planning to do this ahead of labour so they're aware on the day, as they may also be able to provide you with freezer storage at the hospital. Can colostrum harvesting bring on labour? Release the pressure and then repeat again and again, building up a rhythm. Avoid sliding your fingers over the skin. At first, only drops may appear, but don’t worry if you don’t obtain any colostrum, just keep going as it will help build up your supply. Please do not panic or worry that you are not leaking colostrum or do not notice any difference in your breasts. This does not mean you will not be able to harvest colostrum. Equipment needed

Lactationaiding foods/drinks and sweet things to increase sugar amounts in colostrum are not necessary Diabetes mellitus is a common problem that affects more than 13% of pregnant women in Australia. 1 Diabetes in pregnancy includes both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pre-existing diabetes (type I diabetes mellitus or type II diabetes mellitus). Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with multiple risks to the newborn including macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, polycythaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and neonatal hypoglycaemia. 2 Hypoglycaemia is a significant problem as it is associated with cardiorespiratory disturbances, damage to the central nervous system and developmental delay. 3 4 Approximately 6% of Australian neonates experience hypoglycaemia; however, this rate is greatly increased in infants born to mothers with diabetes with 25%–50% of newborns affected. 5 The mainstay of management of infants at risk of hypoglycaemia is early breastfeeding and top-up feeding with colostrum or formula. 6 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 There are specific reporting arrangements for healthcare professionals to follow in each of region. Healthcare professionals should report incidents: The intended use of the device is not for directly feeding the colostrum to babies. The cap must always be removed before use. Healthcare professional advice should be sought for guidance on feeding the collected colostrum to the baby.

How to collect colostrum

Women in this study who were able to collect colostrum in the antenatal period perceived that they were more physically and psychosocially prepared for breastfeeding postnatally. Similarly, previous qualitative analysis of women without diabetes in pregnancy revealed that antenatal expressing can bolster women’s confidence in breastfeeding by facilitating a sense of mastery and breast familiarity. 11 Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for mothers with diabetes and their newborns because it can reduce the development of type II diabetes in mothers with GDM and can reduce the development of diabetes in the child in the longterm and hypoglycaemia in the shortterm. 17–19 However, diabetes in pregnancy has been associated with delayed lactogenesis, which paradoxically makes breastfeeding more difficult for these mothers. 20 A recent prospective study in a non-diabetic population found that expressing antenatally can significantly improve postnatal lactational performance by early establishment of plentiful milk secretion. 10 Further investigation of the effects of collecting colostrum antenatally on time to full lactation in the diabetic population appears warranted. Collect the colostrum into a clean container, like a syringe (1ml or 2ml syringe). If nothing happens, adjust your finger position slightly to find the spot that works for you. Try not to pinch your nipple or slide your fingers uncomfortably over the skin. find a time where you can relax for at least 30 minutes without being interrupted. It may be easier to practice whilst having a warm + relaxing bath the first few times 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. It’s a good idea to mention your colostrum stores on your birth plan and make sure staff are aware in advance of your wishes in certain situations. The hospital may have access to a freezer for storage once you arrive.

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. If harvested colostrum ends up being ‘wasted’ because you are able to establish early exclusive breastfeeding, this is a cause for celebration rather than commiseration! CONCLUSIONS: Early breastfeeding may facilitate glycaemic stability in infants born to women with gestational diabetes. I R A Chertok et al. 2009 Can’t I just breastfeed or express when the baby is born? Learning to hand express while pregnant, and collecting and saving the colostrum can be helpful in some special situations, including: 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

Does leaking colostrum mean labor is close?

It sets you up with a stash right away. Collecting colostrum before baby is even here means they can drink it pretty much immediately, no matter what may be going on after delivery. “A mother can have a small stash of milk should her baby have extra needs for milk immediately after delivery,” Schooler says. “For example, the infant has low blood sugar or needs to go to the NICU.”

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 Some women may need to consider supplementing feeds from an early stage if there are concerns over their ability to make and/or secrete milk. Conclusions: In well-controlled diabetic mothers, the incidence of early hypoglycaemia in infants is still high, particularly in those mothers who had a longer duration of diabetes. Cord blood glucose level did not identify the infants with hypoglycaemia. Before you have your baby and in the first few days after birth only hand express. You could practise in the bath or shower as relaxation and warmth often helps with expressing. It is very normal to get nothing initially, even learning how to hand express will get you off to a great start for when you have your babyHowever, any woman can decide to harvest colostrum for use in the early days, not just those listed above. Why is it so important for mothers with diabetes?