How to Increase Breast Milk Pumping for a Preemie
- 1). Commit to the process. Breastfeeding works on a supply-demand schedule created by you and your baby. In order to establish a solid milk supply, you first have to commit to sticking with it through the initial challenges of breastfeeding. These include sore nipples and latching problems.
- 2). Start as soon after birth as possible. Begin pumping within an hour or so after delivery, if you can. If not, then try to start within 24 hours of giving birth. Colostrum is highly nutritious but in low supply -- only available for the first few days of a newborn's life. To get as much of it as you can, you must start pumping immediately.
- 3). Pump at least eight to 10 times a day using a hospital-grade electric pump. The process of extracting breastmilk with a pump is similar to direct breastfeeding; it requires frequent sessions throughout the day and night to establish a good milk supply. Electric pumps remove milk more quickly and thoroughly than manual ones and are sturdier pieces of equipment.
- 4). Remember that you are dealing with other issues that may complicate the pumping process. For instance, delivering a preemie means your body did not reach its maximum levels of hormones that trigger breastmilk production. Also, the type of delivery and interventions used to deliver your preemie can negatively impact your initial ability to produce large quantities of milk. Experts suggest being patient and sticking with the pumping. In time, you will produce the amount of milk your baby needs.
