Newborn inhospital, how often should I pump?

[JeanineTheOT]

I just got home and my baby needed to stay in the hosptial for observation of jaundice and a suspitious blister. She was born on Saturday and Ive got no milk yet. Im at home now, pumping, and plan to bring the colostrum to her later tonight. How often and how long should I pump (I have the medela freestyle and figure 30 min, every 2 hours, but is that right?)

[mamaverdi]

Yes, about 15 to 20 minutes per side (or both sides at once) an every 2 to 3 hours, with a 4-6 hour break to sleep. Why aren't you able to stay with her?

[DashsMama]

It sometimes takes three or four days for your milk to come in even in the best of circumstances. Pump every two to three hours, day and night, for at least 15 minutes per breast. Your breasts need as much stimulation as they can get, and a pump is not nearly as effective as a baby. If you can, you should be at the hospital so you can nurse your baby at the breast. The nurses should be able to set up a recliner for you to sleep in or other free sleeping arrangement.

Good luck and congratulations!

[bri276]

Definitely pump every 2-3 hours, 20 minutes, with a double pump. Do you have a hospital grade rental pump?

Also, when you bring the colostrum in, you can request that they not feed with a bottle. A syringe, a spoon, or any other type of alternative feeding device (believe me, they have them for infants born with oral defects). The last thing you need is nipple confusion on top of the rest of the stress. And definitely nurse your baby every time you're there. You can also put a "no formula, breastmilk only please" sign in the baby's bassinett.

(My DD spent 5 days in the NICU and I EP'ed 21 months.)

[medicmama]

Same as everyone else.

Congrats!

[stayo22]

Hi! First of all....congrats!

My dd spent the first 8 days in NICU and I pumped with a double sided hospital grade pump every 3 hours(even at night!). My milk came in around the 3rd day and my supply was great!

Since your babe is in the hospital - ask if you can borrow one of their pumps...it really gets the job done! Also, what helped me was to pump next to her in the NICU. It just helps get the mommy hormones going and will help your milk flowing. If you can't be next to her and pump then look at a picture...it helps!

Good Luck!

[JeanineTheOT]

Yeah, the SHOULD have a recliner for me, or some sleep arangement. But, tonight I went back and they brought be to this dirty room with wooden chairs, no pillows or anything. They gave me a medela harmony pump (ha, come on now, one sided manual pump will do nothing, thanks!) feeding hours are 9-1 and 5-9. Not very bf friendly, if you ask me.

I have my medela freestyle im using, and am hoping to give her milk in the morning, or whatever I can pump, and formula to supplement. I will ask tomorrow for a syringe, good idea.

Thanks ladies for the encouragement.

[DashsMama]

Oh, so sorry to hear that, mama! Hang in there! You're doing great! Here's some healing vibes for your little one with the hope she can come home soon! :