Prenatal Pumping

A smart start to breastfeeding

Bee Midwives PuurBegin in Kampen we are happy to help you with everything around your pregnancy and the time after. Today we talk about prenatal flask, a convenient way to prepare for breastfeeding. It means that you already colostrum pumps out before you give birth, so that you have a small supply for your baby. Maybe you have heard of it before, or maybe it is completely new to you. Don't worry, we will explain it to you step by step. It can be a nice breastfeeding preparation especially in certain situations. Rest assured, you are not alone in this adventure. We are here to support you, so read on and discover what prenatal pumping can do for you!

What exactly is prenatal pumping?

In simple terms, prenatal pumping is the process of manually expressing colostrum, that first nutritious milk, while you are still pregnant. You usually start around week 36 or 37 of your pregnancy. Colostrum is worth its weight in gold: it is full of good substances that make your baby strong. By collecting it in advance, you have a supply ready for after the birth. It is not a must for everyone, but it can give you a head start if you think your little one needs extra milk. Think of a few drops to a small syringe - that is often all you need in the beginning. We think it is a smart way to prepare yourself for those first days as a mother. How nice is it to already have something in hand?

Why would you do it?

Prenatal pumping is not for every pregnant woman, but in some cases it is a real solution. For example, if you have diabetes or gestational diabetes, then your baby may have low blood sugar after birth. A little colostrum will help right away. Or maybe a caesarean section is planned, which means you milk production which starts later. Also with a twin or multiples it can be useful, because you then need extra milk. Do you have a high BMI, over 40, or did you have trouble producing enough milk before? Then this can give you some support. It is also nice if you just want to start breastfeeding with more confidence. Together we can see if it suits you - what do you think?

When do you start?

Most women start around week 36 or 37, when your pregnancy is stable. That is a safe time, because you are close to your due date. But it is not something you just do without consultation. Have you had contractions before, bleeding or is your placenta low? Then we prefer to wait a while. The same applies if your baby is moving less or is not growing well - safety comes first. At Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen we take the time to discuss this with you. Together we look at your situation and determine what is smart. It is not a rush job, so take your time to feel if it is something for you. When do you think you are ready?

How does it work in your body?

When you pump prenatally, you are already stimulating your breasts to produce milk. By pressing with your hands, a substance is released that tells your body: “Hey, there will be a baby who needs milk!” This helps your milk production to start faster after birth. Colostrum often comes in small amounts, sometimes just a few drops, and that is normal. It is thick and sticky, full of everything your baby needs in those first hours. The great thing is that you also practice with your hands, so that after birth you know exactly what it feels like. It is a bit like giving your breasts a warm-up.

This is how you do it step by step

Ready to get started? It’s easier than you think. Find a quiet place, wash your hands thoroughly, and if necessary, place a warm cloth over your breasts to loosen things up. Then, using your thumb and index finger, place them about 1 to 1.5 inches from your nipple, make a C-shape, and press rhythmically toward your ribs. After a few minutes, switch breasts. Start with 2-3 times a day, 3-5 minutes per side. After a week, you can build up to 5-10 minutes. Don’t worry if you don’t see much – it will come naturally. Save what you pump in a clean syringe and freeze it. Having trouble right away? We’re happy to show you!

What do you do with the milk?

Once you have expressed colostrum, collect it with a clean spoon or small container. Then draw it into a 1 or 5 milliliter syringe – that works best. Write the date and time on it, put it in a sealed bag or container and put it in the freezer. After the birth, take it out and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator. You can then give it to your baby with a syringe. Throw away any leftovers after 24 hours or after 1 hour if you heat it immediately. That way you always have a small supply ready.

What are the benefits?

Prenatal pumping has some great things to offer. It gives you a supply of colostrum, so your baby can get something right away when he or she needs it. This can be nice if you can’t feed right away, for example after surgery. It also helps you start your milk production faster after birth, because your breasts are already “awake”. Plus, you learn to use your own hands, which gives you confidence for later. And did you know that it can protect your baby from a dip in blood sugar? It’s a small effort with a big effect. Together we can make sure you are well prepared.

Are there any disadvantages?

Don’t worry, the risks are small if you do it right. Some women experience mild cramps, because your breasts produce a substance that can induce contractions. This is normal and usually not an issue after week 36, but stop if it becomes too much and give us a call. It also takes some time and patience, especially in the beginning when you see мало milk. And yes, it requires hygiene – everything has to be clean to keep your milk good. But with a bit of practice it is doable. The most important thing for us is that you feel comfortable with it. What do you think?

Who is this suitable for?

Prenatal pumping is not for everyone. Have you had a premature birth before or are you already feeling contractions? Then we prefer to skip it. We also prefer to wait if you have blood loss, your placenta is low, or your baby is not growing well. The same applies if you feel less movement - then we first want to check how your little one is doing. At Verloskundigen PuurBegin we take this seriously and we look together at what is safe for you. It is not a must, but an extra for those who need it. Are you in doubt? Give us a call, we are happy to think along with you.

Practical tips to get started

Here are some handy ideas to make it easy: take a warm bath or shower before you start, this will help the milk flow. Stay relaxed – put on some music or breathe deeply. Don’t expect too much right away; a few drops is great. Use a mirror to see what you’re doing, this will make it less awkward. And do it at your own time, for example in the evening when you’re calm. Practice a few times without pressure, just to get used to it. It’s normal if it takes a while to get the hang of it. Together we can make this a nice routine – how does that sound?

When will you call us?

We are always there for you, especially if you feel something is not right. Call us if you have cramps that do not stop or if you feel less movement of your baby. Also if you have blood loss or are just unsure about pumping - no question is too small. Better an extra check than to have worries, right? At Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen we are available day and night. We think it is important that you feel good, so do not hesitate to contact us. What would you do if you wanted to chat?

Your start with prenatal pumping

Let's recap: prenatal pumping is a smart way to prepare for breastfeeding by to express colostrum. It gives you peace of mind, a supply, and a head start on your milk supply. Whether you're doing it because of diabetes, a c-section, or just to be on the safe side, it can be a nice breastfeeding preparation are. We hope that this information gives you a good picture and that you feel supported. Do you feel like starting or do you want to know more? Feel free to call us, we are here for you. This blog is intended to inform you, not as medical advice. Always consult with your midwife before you start. See you soon at Verloskundigen PuurBegin!

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Take care of yourself and your little one!

With kind regards,

Midwives PuurBegin
Address:  Orkestlaan 148, 8265RC Kampen
Telephone: 085 40 19 095