A quick google search led me to these links.  <http://home.ca.inter.net/~jfisher/docs/Appendix%201%20-%20Antenatal%20Expression.pdf>  <http://www.health-e-learning.com/community/forum/postlist/1/66/true>   <http://modules.ilca.org/products/2007_Conference_Study_Modules/Preterm_Expression_and_Storage_of_Colostrum_S_Cox.html>  

Antenatal expression of colostrum should not affect volume of milk the mother has, and it may not influence how quickly her milk comes in after she delivers.  L2 does not occur until the placenta is delivered.  If the mother does choose to express colostrum from 36 weeks it would give her a small supply of colostrum for her baby which would decrease the likelihood of her baby being given formula.  However, if this woman has given birth prematurely due to preterm labour with her previous pregnancies, I would be very cautious about recommending antenatal expression.

The only way this mother is going to have a great milk supply for her baby is through the usual ways, skin to skin contact and milk removal by baby or through hand expression and pumping.  If the baby is born early, in the end, her efforts will be rewarded by being able to provide her baby with breastmilk from the source which will be a whole lot easier than formula feeding.  Also, considering she carried twins to 35 weeks there is a good chance she will carry a singleton to term.

Cordelia Merritt RN BSN IBCLC

Permission to post



Mum's  3rd  pregnancy   34 weeks to-day.   first baby delivered at 34 weeks
and in special care baby unit for 2 weeks, 2nd pregnancy (twins) delivered
35 weeks in special care baby unit for 3 weeks.



Mum  is almost expecting not to go to term with this pregnancy (HOPEFULLY
SHE WILL) would your advice included antenatal expressing . Knowing that if
this baby comes before 36 weeks she will be reluctant to express.(When I
spoke to her she put her  hands over her head and said  she wouldn't be able
to do all that expressing because she has 3 children under 4) My rationale
for suggesting antenatal expressing is to establish volume, and hopefully
this will  relief the pressure on this mum, should she wait until 36 weeks
or start now or forget it and hope that this baby delivers at 38 weeks



Thank you for your advice



Sincerely

June Nicholls

RM/IBCLC

On Jun 19, 2010, at 9:00 PM, LACTNET automatic digest system wrote:

> 
> Date:    Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:04:35 -0500
> From:    Mary Grace Lanese <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: antenatal expressing
> 
> I agree, I would not recommend antenatal expressing. I wonder where this
> idea originated in the first place. Where is the research that this is an
> appropriate practice during any pregnancy? I am interested and curious.
> 
> Mary Grace Lanese, RN, IBCLC, RLC


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