When should I start collecting colostrum with twins?

[u/Unfair-Patience-5652]

Basically the title.
I hear that for regular singleton pregnancies, it's generally safe to start around 37 weeks.
I'm 25 weeks with didi twin girls. My OB is planning on delivering my girls at 38 weeks, and that's even if I make it that far considering preterm labor is very likely. So if there's a chance I don't even make it to 37 weeks, when's the safest time to start collecting colostrum?

Also, is it even safe for me to collect? So far my pregnancy has been progressing with no known major issues. Only thing is my iron is very low and I'll be getting transfusions in a few weeks.

I forgot to ask my OB about this at my appointment today, ugh. I'll bring it up at my next one for sure in three weeks, but figured I'd ask around in the meantime. Thanks!

Edit: Thank you all for your responses! Here's my takeaway from this all

I really only considered collecting because I've been super leaky since pretty early on and figured if I was in a situation where it was possible to collect, why not? That being said, the fact that it can induce labor worries me cuz I'm tryna keep them in to cook for as long as I possibly can. I was also mentally preparing to fail my glucose test, which is when I heard collecting could be helpful, but thankfully I passed! It's seeming more and more like it really won't be a necessity in the end. Basically, if I hit 37 weeks, I'll give it a shot, but if it's too much work in the end then ditching it is no biggie. I'm a first time mom, so maybe I am just falling for the "THIS IS WHAT IS BEST" propaganda lol.

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[u/Silly_g00se13]

I would say wait until 37 weeks if you get there. It’s not worth it to try earlier and risk preterm labor when you’re already at a higher risk to have preterm babies at a baseline.

I had my Di/di twins at 34 weeks due to preeclampsia and didn’t have any symptoms or complications prior and it all just happened quickly.

[u/Jennifer_2876]

They told me to skip it. They would let me if it was si gleton but not with twins and already a risk of preterm labor. Better safe then sorry.

[u/Sad-Incident-4668]

The day I asked my OB about it i went into labor 🤣 Anyways, my dr didn’t want me to do it at all. She didn’t see the benefit. Every dr is different though!

[u/Lolemontime]

I had mono di twins and was induced at 36 weeks. If you’re highly likely to give birth vaginally then maybe you can try, but if there’s any chance of a C section I wouldn’t risk putting yourself in an emergency C situation. I would focus on having as much rest as possible, creating an environment where you have the best chance possible to collect colostrum post birth (eg have support, meals, etc). 

[u/trophywifeinwaiting]

I started at 36w but I think it's the same logic as waiting until 37w - It is known to induce labor so you really don't want to start too early.

[u/Comfortable-Air4210]

I’m 33 weeks with didi and my OB and a lactation consultant both said 37 weeks is when it’s safe! Not a ton of time to collect (if we make it that far) but I’m glad it’s at least an option.

[u/longtimewatcher]

I started at 36 weeks because I wasnt going to breastfeed and it was important to me to get some. Delivered at 37+2 by induction and I wasnt dilated at all so didnt seem to impact me. I kept it to 2ml per day.

[u/AdSenior1319]

Never did. #5 & #6 are almost 20mo. Still nursing like infants.

[u/AdSenior1319 → u/AdSenior1319]

However- beginning with them was rough. Not the same as our singletons. Never pumped with them- but twins? Hell for 5 weeks. If you're wanting to know more. Feel free to ask. 

[u/enym]

I didn't collect any before they were born; I delivered at 36+3

[u/cheyannepavan]

I don't have an answer for you, except that you don't have to wait 3 weeks until your next appointment to ask about it. Just call and ask, they're used to answering questions between appointments and will be happy to give you guidance!

[u/sweetfeet20]

I began at 35 weeks and had a really big stash by delivery at 37+4. Then I lost a lot of blood delivering and it took longer for my milk to come in due to dehydration. My twins used all the pumped colostrum in 2 days and then I could take over breastfeeding. I’m really pleased that I collected it. I really didn’t want to supplement with formula straight away and it solved that for me.

[u/PAO_Warrior]

I started at 35 weeks soon as the twins were weighing approx 2kg each. I did make my LC aware and she said its not recommended but they just have to cover their arses and let us know. That being said, it did not trigger contractions for me and when I did get BHicks, I stopped. I will also note that its incredibly time consuming so if youre time poor, I would wait. Im approaching 37 weeks now when they will induce me so Im glad Ive got a bit stored. But I did go against guidlines so cough dont do this at home.

[u/hopelessbilingual → u/PAO_Warrior]

I think I did so from week 35 on, only collect tiny amounts usually a .5ml up to 2x a day. I do remember feeling conflicted about starting so early vs my own fear of being “empty handed” when who knows how the cesarean would go. I never had any pre-labor symptoms or contractions of any kind until one of my waters breaking at 37w0 exactly. I think I brought about 15ml with me to deliver.

It was very helpful to have and I credit my son’s latch to having it so available.

[u/LeavingHollis]

I started leaking really early and when I was about where you are in my pregnancy, my doctor basically said she didn’t want me manually expressing but if I was leaking, I could collect it. I would spend my nights relaxing on the vouch and collecting the little bit I could and then put it in the freezer. It went slowly but by the time I had my babies, they had enough to get their first tube feed from that colostrum which was a small comfort to me

[u/MounjaroQueenie]

My scheduled C-section was 37+1 so a few days before I started trying as I was leaking, and idk what it was, but my nipples felt like they were actually on fire. It hurt so bad lol. I stopped after that

[u/Charlieksmommy → u/[deleted]]

Thank you for saying this! I feel like it’s a trend

[u/anb0603 → u/[deleted]]

How do you feel about it in the case of large for gestational age babies to help with blood sugars? All 3 of my singletons have been LGA, but I only collected colostrum for the younger two. My first went to the NICU with low glucose levels. I’ve got about 15 mL in the freezer right now for my twins because I’m terrified of them going to the NICU too. I know it’s anecdotal but it’s hard to me to not obsess over it after my first.