Breastfeeding for Preemie

I had trouble breastfeeding and was given a handout by the lactation consultant targeted at moms who can’t nurse at all and who must use a pump from the moment the baby is born. The key points: 1) pump for two minutes after the last drop of milk or for 20-30 minutes, whichever comes first. 2) focus on the number of pumpings more than on the time between pumpings. Aim for 8-12 pumpings a day, even if some of those are just an hour apart. The consultant also recommended that I buy larger flanges, which I did, creating a double benefit: I get more milk, and, by switching between the standard and larger sizes, I don’t have to wash pump parts as often. Rather than the mother's milk tea, I’ve been using mother’s milk supplements in capsule form.

N.,
When I had my first daughter I used miso soup to encourage
breast milk and it did a great job.also I was told a thick beer,such as guiness stout, didn't taste good but i think the combo of the two worked very well for me. I wish you well with your new baby.
mg

Were your sons also c-sections? I've often heard that c-sections slow the production of milk a bit (part of the the whole hormone explosion/happy uterus dance that is labor also helps trigger milk production), and that it's not so unusual for your milk to take until around day 9 to come in. Combine that with supplementing, and I could certainly see it taking awhile. I would just try to nurse as much as possible, if she's willing. The nipple stimulation will do it eventually, but the baby will trigger it more efficiently than the pump.
Good luck!!

I had twins at 32 weeks (via c-section) and wasn't able to start pumping for 2 days due to meds I was on. It doesn't look like much when you first pump, but if you are using a hospital-grade pump (I recommend renting one for a month to increase your supply) and following the lactation consultant's guidelines for pumping (making sure one pumping is between 12 midnight and 5 am when prolactin levels are highest) and getting enough rest and water, your milk should eventually come in more. Do try and breasfeed as much as possible also to really get your milk supply up.

N.,
Having anesthesia as you did with your C-section definitely affects your milk coming in as well as supply. First thing is to use resources in the area. The breastfeeding center in DC on K street is a great place. I send all my doula clients there who need breastfeeding support. They will do home visits. All of the suggestions offered so far such as dark beer, fenegreek etc. are great. The Mother's milk tea that you buy in tea bags I find is not as effective as loose tea blends that you put together yourself. I have a midwife friend that wildcrafts her own tea. ____@____.com. There are 2 nursing mom tea blends.
Lastly, acupuncture will help your milk production. I'm happy to offer referrals to someone in your area.
L. M.
Birthbliss- HypnoBirthing childbirth education and birth doula services in Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Hi N.,

Congratulations!!!

Breast feeding is all supply and demand. You need to get your baby to nurse all the time and it will help increase your supply naturally. I would stop the formula ASAP and just nurse your baby like crazy. Also taking Brewer's Yeast tablets worked WONDERS for me. You can take up to 20 or so a day.
Good luck to you and good for your for working to breast feed, just hang in there!!

Take care, S.

Have you tried calling the LaLeche(sorry about the spelling) League. Your gynecologist or pediatrician should have contact info for the group nearest you. They are the gurus of all things pertaining to breastfeeding and alot of good advice for me when i couldn't get my newborn to latch on. You could probably also look them up online! Good luck and try to not be overwhelmed!

I was in your same situation. I delivered at 33 weeks and he was in the nic unit for 5 weeks(3lbs 7oz He is now 5 and growing like crazy and really smart!). I also was c-sect & tubes tied at the same time. I could only pump about 1 ounce all day. The nurse at the nick unit suggested dark beer. I picked up Beck's dark on the way home and drank one bottle. It only upped my milk to about 2 ounces all day. I just think it was the preemie and c-section that affected my milk. All I can say is don't beat yourself up about it. I talked to my Dr and Nic Nurses and they said to stop worrying and go to a good formula.

Hi N.!

Congratulations on the new baby girl! What a joy! Take time to get the sleep you need, and keep hydrated!!!!! Then try fenugreek, and blessed thistle, If you are not sure how to begin the regimin with them ask your Lactation Consultants at the hospital -- they are all to happy to help!
Best wishes, and make sure to get some rest!!

K.

My third was 2 months premature. You basically, just have to keep at it. It will come in. Mine came in, and you should see her now. 6 foot tall (that's right), one of the smartest young women you will ever meet. She attends GMU studying psychology. (Hmm. Do I sound proud? I am, incredibly proud.)

My daughter was born 4 weeks early and despite being told that my milk would come in around day 2 with a second baby it took 5 days. I used mother's milk tea, fenugreek capsules, and had some guinness. She's now happily nursing as I type. It took us about 3 weeks to get it all together though.

goat's rue worked for me

I also had a c-section and my baby was 5"13 very small. Because I was pain modification I did not pump soon enough and that slowed down my milk supplement. I tried for 3 weeks but if she was sleeping she was not interested and if she was awake she wanted to eat once she got the bottle it was over that was all she wanted. Like I said I tried but it did not happen she was not willing to work for it. Hope this helps you out. I.

i could pump barely anything when i was thinking about my preemie and crying. but i could pump tons when i wasn't upset about him being in there. this was my #2, and my milk came in quicker with him than with #1.

also, when they finally let me put him to breast and he sucked a couple of little sucks, that got the juices flowing right then, and when i was remembering it later while pumping.

good luck!! you'll have her at breast SOON!!!