Will pumping before birth help with milk supply?

First—please check with your doctor about pumping before birth.

As far as milk supply, there is no benefit from pumping before birth.

Pumping could potentially send you into labor, so it is highly discouraged before 37 weeks which is considered full term, however babies still get many benefits from the last three weeks of pregnancy. It’s really unlikely to put you into labor, but I feel obligated to mention it.

If you or your baby have certain conditions that put you at higher risk for separation, collecting some colostrum before delivery could be helpful. The best way is hand expression, and you are going to be getting just drops at a time which is fine! In the first few days a baby’s feedings are only around 5 ml each.

Again, pumping before birth is NOT going to help with your long term milk production and supply. At best you can become familiar with your pump and save a little colostrum to have on hand when baby comes, which are both great. I never want anyone to stress about this though as you have enough to worry about at the end. Bottom line: if you want to you can try pumping or hand expression before birth but it is not at all a requirement to have a successful breastfeeding journey!