Community› The Bump Message Boards› Preemies
Preemies
New Discussion

So pumping BM...

Temp356619000002780Temp356619000002780
in Preemies
The boys are in the NICU and will be 1 week old tomorrow. My milk still is very low. I am pumping every 2 hours, but it's just not enough. I am lucky if I get 1 ounce in 3 pumping sessions of 20 minutes. Is this normal? How do I get this to increase?. I have tried everything.
Report Reply to Post

Re: So pumping BM...

  • SurpriseMamaSurpriseMama

    Are you using the correct size breast shields? Too big or too small can affect your output.

     Also, make sure that you are doing breast massage or compressions while pumping. 

     

    My son is in the NICU and I am pumping as well. I have lots of milk stored up to give him when he comes home. Pumping isn't easy, it takes time and patience. Good luck :)

    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • ronatxtxronatxtx
    I had the same problem for the first week or two and now in week 3 I'm amazed at how much I'm producing. 4-5 ozs per 20 mins. It will happen! 
     
    Are you drinking tons of water? 
    TTC since August 2008 09/10 IVF#1 - 2 xfred, 3 frosties - BFP!!! Beta #1 477, Beta #2 1318, Beta #3 2703 Our twin girls were born at 28 weeks 1 day due to severe Pre-E. Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
    Report Reply
  • Temp356619000002780Temp356619000002780
    Thanks ladies I am drinking a lot of water and doing compressions and massages. I will keep it up and see how it goes. thanks.
    Report Reply
  • lemen99lemen99 member

    My suggestion is to keep at it.  Try not to stress about the ounces and I would not count them.  See a LC to make sure everything is fitted and working properly, get enough rest and take care of yourself, drink water, and eat enough calories. 

    Hugs!

    Report Reply
  • happyhooplahappyhoopla member
    Along with what pp's have said, try to pump at the bedside, smell a blanket that they have been on, look at their picture(s), pump every 2-3 hours round the clock for the first two weeks (you can change to 8 times/24 hours after your supply has been well established), drink plenty of water, eat LOTS (you need more calories to breastfeed than you did when you were pregnant), have your pump do several "let down" cycles while you are pumping, "power pump" once a day (10 minutes of pumping, followed by a 10 minute break for an hour), and get as much sleep as possible. If you are pumping at home, try to pump right after you call the NICU to check on them.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Loss #1 (missed miscarriage) 14 weeks Loss #2 (missed miscarriage) 10 weeks Loss #3 (chemical pregnancy) Loss #4 (chemical pregnancy) Loss #5 (chemical pregnancy)
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"