How much milk for triplets?

[charis4]

Hi all!

I had my triplets 2.5 weeks ago by c-section at 29wk5d. (we had been planning a vaginal birth, but one baby was distressed, so surgery it was). I've been pumping consistently since. I initially got colostrum, then nothing, not even drops for several days (I think due to the csection, by body wasn't as primed as it would've with a labor), then milk came in well.

I'm pumping for about a half hour 8 times a day. At this point I'm getting about 60oz a day, increasing by 1/2oz-1oz a day. My main question is, what does my milk supply really need to be for triplets? I'm freaked out about not having a high enough milk supply for them once they're really eating (they're on continuous pump feeds 8ml/hr now, starting bolus in the next few days). For those who pumped for preemie multiples, how much milk were you making before they starting eating from the breast or bm bottles and was it enough?

Thanks for any advice you might have! Oh, anything helpful about getting them all transitioned to the breast eventually would be appreciated as well! :)

Morgan

[Adaline'sMama]

Wow. Just wow. I dont have triplets and really I have no advice for you, but Im in awe. You are on the breastpump for 4 solid hours per day to feed your TRIPLETS! You are one amazing mama!

Congrats on your new littles!!!

[Shuli]

Holy cow, Woman!!  How are you doing that??? I am so impressed.

When I was pumping for my boys for that week in the NICU, I was pumping every three hours and managed to get about 60 cc's per session. They were on about 30 each at that time so I had lots for the freezer and by the time we got home I was pumping for the freedom of giving DH a baby and a bottle when I was touched out. I never really got more than that, I'm afraid, but it seemed to be enough. Hope that helps.

[mauri456]

I think you are doing awesome!!!! Congrats on your triplets!! You are doing an amazing job. I know that the general rule is an oz/hour. So I would think you'd probably need 72 oz when they are taking in full feeds. However, it is probably going to be a while for that and you are WAY AHEAD now. The pump isnt as good as effective nursing, so I'd imagine going from 60 oz/day to 72 will be no big deal down the road. I'd just keep doing what you are doing. I know for my twins I make about 50 oz/day. (I primarily nurse...but based on what I get when I pump when they take a bottle)

[cristeen]

Somewhere around 4-6 mos, babes max out around 32oz/day. So right now you're pumping enough for twins who are already sitting and contemplating crawling.

And dont forget that when you do get them on the brwast, the babe is more efficient at removing milk than the pump. And your body is designed to increase supply on demand as tgey grow, also.

Great job, mama!!

[lesliesara63]

Congratulations! You're a bit ahead of me so I can't answer your questions. 60 oz sounds really great though. When do they think the babies will be able to attempt nursing? Please come back and update how they are doing, I'd love to hear about it.