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Preemie And Breastfeeding

2 posts on this thread and the last post was on March 29th, 2008 12:43 AM
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shanaleigh - February 2nd, 2008 4:34 PM
 [Original Post]

One week ago I delivered my little girl via emergency c-section at 24 weeks. She only weighs 13 ozs. I am trying to breastfeed her because it would be the best thing for her at this point. However, because she is so small and still in the NICU, I am having to pump. My milk is coming in very slowly. I dont know if this is due to the fact that I am not around her and unable to nurse her at all or what. Does anyone have any experience with pumping for a preemie?


beckyttc#3 - February 2nd, 2008 9:20 PM

Hi shanaleigh
My daughter was early (not quite as early as yours)... my only advice is that babies normally breastfeed every 2-3 hours for the first few weeks and longer. To pump successfully, you have to do the same. I had trouble, as the nurses only made me pump every 4-6 hours. Then, a lactation consultant gave me better advice. Good luck to you and your daughter!

Babycakes - March 29th, 2008 12:43 AM

Hi Shanaleigh, my post is late but i hope u get it. U must pump every 2-3 hrs and freeze ur milk. i had preemie twins at 32 wks and i pumped for almost two months and they were exclusively breastfed at the nicu. u need hospital grade pump to maintain supply and if you keep up the pumping schedule, ur milk supply will increase until they ask u to take a break ,ha ha!. thats what happened with me. keep ur fluid up too, juice, water and milk etc. i wasnt able to breastfeed directly my twins till i had to train them to suck from the breast. it took a couple days- i wasnt able to be there everyday- of trying and then they suddenly caught on and gradually became experts. they are 5 mnths now. Be encouraged, it may be rough at first but if you persist, u'll be laughing later. God's blessings to you and ur little one!