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Issues with lactation?
My baby is 2 weeks he is in the NICU. I was in the hospital for a week and 1/2 I tried to pump every 2-3 hours like they wanted - I wasn't very successful keeping a schedule at the hospital. I was constantly interrupted with visitors and doctors and nurses. Also my medication put me to sleep (I had an emergency C-section).
I have been home for about 4 days now & I've noticed that although I've been better about pumping in the time period they say my milk supply has gone down greatly. This has me very concerned as I really want to be able to breast feed when he comes home.
The last time I pumped my one breast didn't do anything - I mean if I squeeze it I can see milk coming out, but when I pumped it was almost like it was dry. The other breast will produce less than 20ml. This morning I produced about an ounce between the two of them and as the day went on less and less.
Am I dried up that quickly? What can I do to improve my milk production?!
Thank you!
1 Answer
- ?Lv 77 years agoFavorite Answer
Start pumping about every 2 hours during the day, and every 3 hours at night. Make sure you have a drink with you when you pump, especially at the hospital, where the air is dry. Pump at the baby's bedside, especially after holding the baby. Take an item of the baby's clothing home with you to hold before pumping, or call and check on him/her before pumping. Start eating oatmeal or an oatmeal-based granola bar several times a day. And hand express some extra milk at the end of each pumping session.
I am assuming you are using the same type of multi-user pump that you used in the hospital. Some hospitals loan or rent these pumps, or you can so your insurance company about this. Research has shown that the smaller, less powerful retail pumps are not adequate for initiating a milk supply.
If you work at this, you can probably increase your milk volume. It is important to hold and the attempt to breastfeed your baby as soon as s/he is able to take a feeding by mouth. This kind of stimulation can help with your milk volume.
If there is a lactation consultant available in the NICU, please consult with her, as well.
Source(s): hospital IBCLC and mothers' group leader 25 years mom to 3, one an exclusively breastfed 25-week preemie