thread: Colostrum before birth - what's the deal??

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jun 2008
    37

    Colostrum before birth - what's the deal??

    Hi Guys!

    What's the deal with colostrum before birth?

    Some women seem to leak, whereas others don't...what's normal?

    I only had once instance where I squeezed the nipples and had the colostrum come out as a bright white substance - only a pin drop though and not much. But not since.

    What's normal??

    If I'm not leaking now, does that mean I'll have problems with milk coming in?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Sydney NSW
    4,837

    I never had any before the birth and BF fine.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Newcastle, Aus
    82

    well thats good to know, cause I got nothin and Im overdue! lol
    I was beginning to think maybe i wont have any milk as I would love to be able to bf, but im hoping once bubs is born that my milk comes in. Glad to know Im normal too

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Add Sterla on Facebook

    Jun 2008
    Tasmania
    3,011

    Yeah, the way I understand it is (like everything else in pregnancy) - some women do, some women don't. I've been leaking here and there since my fifth month. Sometimes I might go a few days in row with a leak, other times I go a few days with nothing.

    Don't worry - your body is doing what is normal for you!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    Sydney
    900

    I have leaked every now and then but not very often. Its happening more lately but its always been a clear fluid but the last couple of days I have seen dry white bits near the nipple. And its usually one nipple leaks and the other doesn't then it swaps next time. I don't know but like everyone says everyone is different and I don' think it will effect your ability to BF.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jul 2007
    Melbourne
    3,660

    Whether or not you leak prior to birth has nothing to do with your ability to breastfeed. In fact there are very few instances when the milk doesn't come in and a lot of the time it is to do with traumatic birth, premature birth, prior breast reduction etc.

    The difficult part of breastfeeding is NOT your milk coming in. You WILL be able to breastfeed. The difficult part is LACK OF SUPPORT. Make sure you have lactation consultant contact and ABA contact and get in touch with an ABA group.

    The early days are very demanding on some women. Newborn babies should feed 8-12 times in 24 hours, that's a tough job. Attachment is the key to successful feeding. Make sure you let the hospital staff help you as much as possible. And see a hospital LC while you are there and it is free of charge.

    Don't doubt your ability to breastfeed because the second you doubt yourself is the second you make it difficult on you. All you can do is try - you know it is best for your baby and hell its cheaper and easier for you too.

    Good luck with impending labour and birth - looking forward to reading all of your breastfeeding accomplishments soon.