Exclusive pumping from beginning - Tips needed

Kristina052707

So I am having a c section at around 36-37 weeks due to health issues I am having with my heart.  Baby is on the smaller side and I am expecting her to need to be in the NICU for at least a few hours.  I plan on exclusively pumping for many reasons but the main reason is due to my health, her health, and that at some point my cardiologist is going to say I need to be on medication and I will have to stop within two weeks and start my medication to stay healthy.  He is already compromising with me and letting me nurse until I absolutely have to start my medication.

 

So, I will be given a Medela Symphony to use in the hospital and then my insurance will cover one for 6 months for me.  (If I am able to continue that long)  So, should I pump every two hours from when she is born?  Do I ask the nurse to bring a to the recovery room for me?  Also, am I able to do every 3 hours at night instead of 2?  Any advice/tips about starting exclusive pumping from the beginning would be great as I rarely pumped with DD and exclusively nursed her until 6 months and then nursed her at night until 10 months.  

 

Thanks, ladies!!

nic5606

I hope everything goes well for you and your baby. I would ask to see a lactation consultant at the hospital to help you.  The symphony is a wonderful pump. I am renting one as well.

As for pumping, I was advised by a LC to pump every 3 hrs (which is really less than that since it is from start time to start time, not from end of pumping).

Unless advised otherwise, pumping every 3 hrs is what I did until my supply was well establised (3-4 months), then I spaced it out more at night. I currently pump every 3-4 hrs during the day and sleep (well not really since the baby is up) but space out overnight pumping to every 5 hrs or so.

Buy extra pump parts. I have 3 sets of parts so you are not washing them all the time. Get lots of bottles to0. I also have a medela harmony manual pump. It works really well if you are out and about and need to pump.

As for the actual pumping. I was advised to pump until the milk stops flowing and then 2 mins after that stop. I was told the average pumping time was 20 mins. I pump for 30mins and get a second let down around 25 mins.

Drink plenty of water (if you are able with your heart condition) and oatmeal helps to increase your supply. I hate oatmeal so I eat oatmeal cookies

Hope that helps. Good luck to you!

 

ilovelife

I ep'd for 8 1/2 months! I started by pumping every 2 hours (even at night), then when lo came home from the hospital, I started pumping every 3 hours. Slowly I got down to pumping every 4, 5, and eventually 6 hours until I stopped. You get way more milk early in the morning...so I really made sure to get a pumping session in around 3am.

 Good luck! Pumping isn't that bad at all. If anything it makes you take a break!

ilovelife

I agree with the extra pump parts. It's a pain in the you know what to wash every part every time, so stocking up on extras was a lifesaver for me! Also, when you think you're done pumping for that session, feel your breasts to be sure you DON'T have any clogged ducts. I developed mastisis at 3 mos. pp because I was only pumping for 15 mins. each breast. You can't really put a time on how long to pump each breasts, since they produce different amounts of milk. So just pump until your breasts are flat again!

Kristina052707

Thanks so much ladies -- I had never even thought of buying extra pump parts, what an awesome idea!  Thankfully, our hospital has a nurse who is certified as a LC on 24 hours a day so if I need help someone can always be of assistance. 

BeetleLinz1125

This has all been great advice...also make sure you have a hands free bra. Try to stay relaxed, fed, and hydrated to ensure that you are able to produce milk. Good luck and please reach out if you have any questions. There are a lot of veteran ep'ers on here.... I am almost at 9 months, and I started in the hospital too.