Question by qυєєи of му cαsтlє ♥: First-time breastfeeding Mommy?
Hi everyone. I recently gave birth to my second child on Monday and he came at 32 weeks. I am trying to breastfeed him (I did not BF with my first) and I just want to make sure I’m pumping right. My son is in the NICU so I have to pump. I’m trying to get my supply started and I have a little, but I’m only getting about 15 ML altogether at each pumping session. I’m using an Evenflo Double Electric Pump. After my milk comes completely in, how much should I be getting if I pump for 20 minutes? Also, do I need to wake up through out the night to pump or would I be okay if i pumped before bed and as soon as I woke up? Any information is greatly appreciated as I have no idea what to expect nor do I know what exactly I’m doing. Thanks in advance!!
BTW – I’m not only pumping to start my supply, but to take into the NICU for my baby.
Best answer:
Answer by jamiell1981
I would wake up in the middle of the night to pump. Its not fun, but its the only way your are really going to get your body to produce more. You always want to pump at least as often as you would feed them. Its normal for you to produce little at first- you will gradually produce more as you pump more (Are bodies are designed to keep up with demand).
What do you think? Answer below!
Everyone is different and every baby is different so its not really something I can tell you as far as how many ounces. I am sure that the NICU has a lactation specialist or knows one that could help you out. Getting support close by is a major help so if you can check into it. I would recommend pumping every 1 1/2 hours as that is probably how often your baby will feed once he comes home. You don’t want to minimize your milk supply and not meet baby’s demand. I would set an alarm. Its tiring but a necessity for you to meet babies growing demand for nutrition. If baby is in the NICU – breastfeeding is the best gift you can give him for a healthy life. I would recommend 25 minutes for feedings because you really need to fully relax. Later on when your milk comes in and you train yourself to use the pump it will come in way less time. You can email me if you want because I was a first time breastfeeder that had complications. For sure do it every 1 1/2 hours. You can buy freezer bags and store it also so you can have back up. Good luck with everything.
15 mil is sufficient, most pumps are not as efficient as a baby, and at 32 weeks, 15 mil will be fine for a feeding. when your milk comes in you may be able to pump more.
my sister had a 31 week preemie, she pumped for the 6 weeks he was in the nicu, as well as the first few weeks he was home (nursing tired him out, he would go blue in the face after a few minutes). it took time, but she was eventually able to breastfeed fulltime and drop the pump. good luck!
They should be able to help you with alot of your concerns at the hospital. As for your supply, it will continue to increase the more you pump and you must be consistent. So yes, wake up at night to pump.
Good Luck and just hang in there, it will be so worth it.
I depends. The first few days is only colostrum which is significantly less than milk, but vitamin fortified. once your milk comes in, you will know it. A baby should be eating 1 oz per 2.5 lbs of body weight every 2-3 hours. This may be more/less for a premie. I never did researrch on a premie. Milk supply is supply/demand. IF you pump more, you will produce more. If you pump less, you will produce less. When I was breastfeeding I had to feed every 3-4 hours or I would leak (burst almost) all over and my boobs felt like they would explode. If you can get through the night wihtout pumping, then good for you. Ask the nurses if they are supplementing with formula. If so, then you obviously need to pump more (and include at night)
Congratulations on the birth of your son!
You want to treat pumping just like you would feed your child, pump every 2 hours, each breast. You can get storage bags for breast milk at any store, they take up a lot less room than storing it in bottles. You can also freeze milk for the future.
At first you may not get very much but that is ok, just keep up with it and you will produce more. There is a lot of helpful info about breast feeding at http://www.breatfeeding.com
pump more often. every 2 to 3 hours just like your baby would eat. at least 15 mins on each side
increase your healthy calories and drink lotsof water!!
Congrats on your new baby boy!! Its a blessing!
Take care of yourself and good luck in your recovery!
Since your baby is in the NICU, you should be able to have access to a hospital grade pump. These are designed to help you establish your supply. I would recommend you looking into using one. While your pump will probably be great once you have more milk, the hospital pumps really are great while you get things started.
I would recommend you wake up at least every 4 hours at night to pump. This will help increase your supply.
Good luck!