XP: Delivered my babies @ 30 Weeks 2 Days

togo

I am a mom!

I had an emergency c section due to HELLP syndrome on 10/22. Christopher Richard weighed 2lbs 7oz and Alexander Michael weighed 2lbs 8oz.

They are both in the NICU doing good. I just wish I could bring them home with us. It's going to be a long road, but I feel confident in the care that they are getting.

Anyone have any tips on pumping and gaining a great milk supply?  

Mrs.BKP

Congratulations!  I love their names! So gald they're doing well.

 As for supply, pump, pump, pump!  Rent a hospital grade pump and pump at least every 3 hours around the clock.  Make sure you're eating enough and drinking tons of water.  There are several supplements you can take and I've heard oatmeal helps, but I never tried any of that. Good luck!

 

charr25

Congrats! I had my girls on 10/5 at 31w4d do to HELLP Syndrome. One of them was 3 lbs 4 oz and the other was 2 lbs 1 oz (the smaller one was also IUGR).

They are still in the NICU, however got moved down to the Level 2 nursery today, one step closer to homecoming!

I rented the pump from the hospital (our insurance will pay for it for as long as the girls are in the hospital so I would check into that). It has better suction and will help your supply especially in the beginning.

I pump every 2-3 hours and give myself a 4-5 hour stint at night so I can get some decent rest. The Lactaion consultant told me that you shouldn't go for more than 5 hours especially in the beginning. Also drink a big glass of water after you are finished pumping. I have no supply problems at all. In fact my husband calls me the "Dairy Queen" because I produce so much. Its a good thing though since I have two babies to feed. 

If your hospital has a lactation consultant, talk to her. They can give you tips for pumping and if you are planning on breastfeeding  LOTS of tips/suggestions/help/positions for that too.

Good luck with everything and congrats to your sweet baby boys!

pea-kay

congrats and welcome to your sweet baby boys!

SoldiersGreenBean

Congratulations!

efhoping2010

Congrats, I hope you get to bring your boys home soon

kelliwill

Congrats on your babies. ?I hope that they do well in the NICU and get big and healthy so they can come home with you soon!!

togo

charr25:

Congrats! I had my girls on 10/5 at 31w4d do to HELLP Syndrome. One of them was 3 lbs 4 oz and the other was 2 lbs 1 oz (the smaller one was also IUGR).

They are still in the NICU, however got moved down to the Level 2 nursery today, one step closer to homecoming!

I rented the pump from the hospital (our insurance will pay for it for as long as the girls are in the hospital so I would check into that). It has better suction and will help your supply especially in the beginning.

I pump every 2-3 hours and give myself a 4-5 hour stint at night so I can get some decent rest. The Lactaion consultant told me that you shouldn't go for more than 5 hours especially in the beginning. Also drink a big glass of water after you are finished pumping. I have no supply problems at all. In fact my husband calls me the "Dairy Queen" because I produce so much. Its a good thing though since I have two babies to feed. 

If your hospital has a lactation consultant, talk to her. They can give you tips for pumping and if you are planning on breastfeeding  LOTS of tips/suggestions/help/positions for that too.

Good luck with everything and congrats to your sweet baby boys!

I'm glad to hear that your babies are doing so good! It's so stressful having them in the nicu. I don't think I will ever get used to it. You are lucky that you have such a good supply.

Thank you for the tips. I'm going to try drinking lots more water and also try oatmeal. I've heard a few people mention oatmeal. It's been rough waking up and pumping but I know it's best for my babies and it makes me feel like I am doing something to help them grow.

I'm lucky that my insurance covered the rental of a hospital grade pump for 10 months. But it makes a clicking noise after a few minuets so I don't know if it's not working right or if that noise is normal.

jenn_darrin1515

Congratulations!  I am glad everyone is doing well!

MommyEB

I had to pass on my bit of advice:

When my baby girl was in the NICU and I was pumping for her, whenever possible my husband would rub my shoulders and upper chest while pumping. Something about this made me release major milk--I don't know if it just cleared the milk ducts or just got me to relax more. But it totally worked!

I know that won't always be possible, but I recommend you give it a try. If nothing else it will feel wonderful!

atc282

Just wanted to say CONGRATS to you and your DH! Welcome, Baby Christopher and Baby Alexander! Wishing them lots of health and hope they get to join you at home before you know it. Best of luck with pumping, too!!

Dana127

Congrats!! I just had my girls a week and a half ago and they are both still in the NICU.

I have a low milk supply and the lactation consultant recommended pumping every 3 hours and taking a supplement call More Milk Plus. You can get it at whole foods or order it online. She said that works wonders. Hope this helps!

Good luck and enjoy those lil babes!!

dec13th

congratulations!  I am EP'ing and I also recommend the hospital garde pump.  I actually pump every 2.5 hours in the daytime and not at night at all (this may not work for some but I have tons of milk).

togo

MommyEB:

I had to pass on my bit of advice:

When my baby girl was in the NICU and I was pumping for her, whenever possible my husband would rub my shoulders and upper chest while pumping. Something about this made me release major milk--I don't know if it just cleared the milk ducts or just got me to relax more. But it totally worked!

I know that won't always be possible, but I recommend you give it a try. If nothing else it will feel wonderful!

Thanks for the advice, I think I will try this tonight! I could always use a shoulder rub.

togo

Thank you for info on the More Milk Plus, I'll give that a try as well.