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Pumping for a Premie

Annie - posted on 08/15/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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I had my beautiful baby boy 9 weeks before my due date. It was crash cart emergency c-section. Overall he's doing great. I'm very determined to breast feed and have him be a healthy striving baby (which he is so far per feeding tube). I have to pump and nuzzle due to the fact he's so little. However I'm starting to get frusterated with my 'supply'. I've been taking Fenugreek, massage, healthy diet, beer (yes beer, per Nurse Practioner), cranberry juice, and plenty of water. I'm trying to stay stress free cause of the 'supply' and because of the fact he's in the NICU. Any mom's have anymore suggestions or advice to give? I have a lactation consult on Monday but everytime I pump I'm on the verge of tears.

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Stacey - posted on 08/18/2009

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When my son was in NICU I had to pump every 2-3 hours round the clock, the were very strict about the schedule. Thankfully I didn't have to take anything but I also did the health diet, cranberry juice and LOTS of water. By the time he got out of NICU he was used to the bottle and wouldn't take the breast so I had to pump from then on as well but I was just glad he was getting the breastmilk. Hard work but very worth it : )

Karen - posted on 08/17/2009

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Have you tried warm packs? I pumped exclusively with my first baby for 6 months, and for a month with my second, and I know pumping can be hard and time consuming. I used a hands free pumping bra thing from easyexpression.com, and bought special warm packs called booby tubes from babies r us. Warm the packs for about 30 second in the microwave and put them under the pump bra around the pump shells. The warmth helps let down and makes pumping more comfortable. Also, with the hands free bra you can massage your breast a bit while you pump to help ensure proper emptying. Anyway, just remember even if you try everything and it doesn't work, don't get overstressed about it......breastfeeding, either through pumping or the natural way, doesn't have to be all or nothing. Some breastmilk is better then none, and if you have to supplement with formula, so be it. The early months are special, and I believe instead of spending it stressed out, spend it cuddling. Your baby will be happier if your happy.

Amy - posted on 08/15/2009

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my baby was 10 1/2 weeks early. i pumped the whole time and tried to breastfeed and just couldnt. it was hard to get him positioned right in the hospital when he had cords everywhere. then when we got home i tried and it didnt seem like he got enough so we just continued to bottle feed him. i was stressed from being tired and having him on oxygen and a apnea monitor so i wasnt pumping out a whole lot and i cried too. i was taking reglan and that helped w/my milk supply tremendously. i ended up having to stop later b/c of post partum. it seems like you're doing the right things. everybody's different though.

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