not pumping?

Question

Are there any preemie moms out there that didn't pump for there baby while in the NICU? My supply has been very low to wear they are giving my daughter donor milk... I want to keep pumping but then again it's very stressful and I just kinda want to give up and enjoy my baby girl

Answer

I would try to continue to pump. I have preemie twins who are on their 6th day in NICU. As hard as it is to spend all my time either hooked up to a pump or in a car going to see them I know that my milk is best for them. My body makes it for just their needs. Donor milk is a nice alternative but that milk is made for another babies needs. Right now my twins get formula and my milk because my supply isn't quite up enough for them to have it every feeding so we alternate and they even add a fortifier to my milk to give them a boost. See if your NICU has a pump that can be left in your baby's room that way while you are there visiting you can pump. Right now my supply if fluctuating so i have spent the last3 hours here and pumped before i came, once since I've been here so far but i will again before i leave.  Just pumping while near your baby will help your supply go up but try to pump when you visit and see if that helps you

Answer

I'm with you.  It is so hard. I'm sitting here right now pumping at home while my baby is in hospital. He was born at 29+3 and is now 36+2. They stopped the donor milk at 34 weeks. So now it's my breast milk and the rest formula. Whenever I pump I normally get anything from 5 to 15 mil per breast. And that's no were near enough! He has tried breast feeding and has latched a couple of times but for no more than a minute or two. 
I'm at the point of thinking of giving up 6 to 7 weeks of pumping and still getting such small amounts does no good for your mental and emotional health. 
I am on Domperidone to help increase supply and have been on it since near the start and it feels like it's done nothing for me. 
I've tried the herbs (fenugreek) the lactation cookies even vitamins and power pumping and still the same outcome. 
Let me know what you decide... I'm going to keep trying but maybe not too much longer. X good luck with what ever you choose and hopefully you now know you are definitely not alone x

Answer

I know the feeling of how frustrating it is having your baby in the NICU and having that low supply. My son was born at 32 weeks and for the first week they had to give him formula. I'd say keep pumping every three hours, it's soooooooo hard. I don't know how many times I'd cry because I had nothing coming out or only 5mls, but continuing to pump did stimulate me and started to up my supply. Also mothers milk tea, oatmeal, and just holding baby helped a lot. I'd always keep it in the back of my mind that my milk is the best milk for baby. Your daughter will be so much better with your own milk. No matter how little it is she will take in all your nutrients. Although if you stop pumping don't feel bad. You should enjoy that beautiful baby girl! Maybe have the nurses start her on formula (if they haven't already) you're her momma and whatever you do you know what's going to be best for her. In the end your love alone is th best for her. Best of luck momma 💜

not pumping?

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