Just gave birth... Need tips!

PeaceofKia · December 2014

Hello ladies, I'm new to this group and need help! After discovering that I had severe preeclampsia, I safely delivered identical twin girls at 5:35 this morning at 31+6 weeks gestation. They are in the NICU of course but I am trying to pump every 3 hours as suggested. So far, I've expressed /pumped nothing. Is there anything I need to be doing to help my milk come in sooner so I can have even a few drops to supply them with?

Mrs.AmyDylan · December 2014

I think it took 4 or 5 days for my milk to come in. Then when it did, it was a small amount and gradually ramped up. Keep in mind that your babies have tiny tummies, about the size of a marble. You don't need a ton of milk yet! What you are producing now is colostrum, which is like a mega vitamin dose. Get that to your babies!! Even if it is only a few drops!

Just keep pumping to stimulate your breasts. Pumping isn't fun. I had to do something to distract myself...trashy tv usually

kept my mind off the slow process.

Congrats on your girls!! Good luck and wishing you a quick NICU stay!

Daisy1232 · December 2014

Try to get a pumping bra ASAP so you can pump longer and turn up the pump higher and be able to distract yourself. I couldn't think of anything except how much I hated pumping until I got one.

eggmankate · December 2014

I second the skin to skin if possible!

PeaceofKia · December 2014

Thanks so much ladies, I was already looking into making a hands free bra and we're hoping for some skin to skin tomorrow!

Brummy14 · December 2014

Keep pumping! My LOs arrived at 29w5d, so I totally relate.

The GOOD news is, your LOs intake will be LOW for a while given how small they are. That buys you a little time.

It took 3-4 days for my milk to come in, and even then I was pumping well behind what I should have been for one (never mind two). I was SO stressed out. I pumped every two hours during the day, every 3 hours at night. I power pumped at least 2x per day -- targeting a total of 11-12 pumping sessions per day. In the end, I ended up hardly needing to supplement at all, even when they were taking over 30oz a day at their hungriest (this was well after discharge!)

Also ditto the hospital grade pump -- I used the Medela Symphony the entire time, and I give it A LOT of credit. I EPed for nearly two years with that bad boy!

Kangaroo as much as you can, and I also pumped NICU bed-side -- they had privacy walls and pumps on the floor for moms in our NICU, so maybe you have an option like that, too.

But, in fairness -- those first few weeks SUCKED. I was in tears with the LCs more times than I could count, never mind the stress of having preemies. It's a LOT. So, don't feel like you're the only one who thinks this whole scenario is entirely impossible - just continue to hang in there (and don't forget to take time for you -- whatever that means -- at least every now and then!)

crash916 · December 2014

Congratulations! As others have mentioned; I would pump every 2 hours. Skin to skin will help as will photos or videos of your babies. Video of my DD crying helped with letdown for me.
Don't be afraid to ask for help too. Best of luck and keep us updated!

PeaceofKia · December 2014

Thanks so much ladies, pumping is getting much easier, I'm pumping 50-60 mLs with each session, the girls are eating about 33 mLs each feeding so I'm glad I'm able to keep up. I do believe I need a bigger breast shield though, how would I know if I was using the right size?

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Just gave birth... Need tips!

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