new to the b/f forum

well i just had my 2 little girls ( they r in the nicu) they were born at 34 weeks and r doing great ..... but ive only been pumping for about 4 days and every session i only get about 15 ml ..... and i do it every 2 hours except for while im sleeping ... and im a bit hesitant to exclusively breast feed since they r soo small and i want to see the amount they r fed during all feedings .... will my supply increase buy only pumping ??

 

Congrats on your babies! I hope they're doing well & will be able to come home soon.

The amount you're getting pumping sounds normal. Your milk is just starting to come in. Pumping every 2 hrs during the day is awesome, keep up the good work! :clapping: Are you pumping at all during the night? My LC told me not to bother to set an alarm or anything, but if I woke up during the night, to go ahead and pump. It worked great. During the 2 wks that both babies were still in the NICU, I'd naturally wake up around 3 or 4, pump, and go back to sleep.

Your supply will increase by pumping. Nursing is even better, so try to practice whenever it's a good time for the babies. I also found I'd get a lot more milk if I pumped right next to my babies in the NICU. Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, eating enough, and getting as much rest as you can - that will help your milk supply too. Breast massage & hot compresses also help get things going.

It's normal to be nervous about EBF, but you can do it! As long as you nurse when they're hungry, they should get enough. Just keep track of the pees and poops - what comes out must have gone in. If diaper output is good and they're gaining weight fine (your pedi will keep track), all is well.

Good luck, & keep us posted!

 

Here is a great link http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/maintainsupply-pump.html
"How often should mom pump?

8-10 times per day: Until supply is well established, it is important to get at least eight good nursing and/or pumping sessions per 24 hours. Ten sessions per day is better, particularly if you have twins or higher order multiples.
These sessions don't need to be evenly spaced, but you should be nursing/pumping at least once during the night in the first few months or anytime you notice a decrease in supply. Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months.
When pumping during the night, milk yield tends to be better if you pump when you naturally wake (to go to the bathroom or because your breasts are uncomfortably full) than if you set an alarm to wake for pumping.
If you are having a hard time getting in enough pumping sessions, adding even a short pumping session (increasing frequency even if milk is not removed thoroughly) is helpful.
How long should mom pump at each pumping session?

If baby does not nurse at all:
The first few days, before mom's milk comes in, hand expression is often the most effective way to express colostrum. Double pump for 10-15 minutes per session for additional stimulation.
Once mom's milk is in, pump for 30 minutes per session, or for 2-5 minutes after the last drops of milk.
If baby nurses but does not soften the breast well
Double pump for 10-15 minutes after nursing.
Empty the breast as thoroughly as possible at each session. To ensure that the pump removes an optimum amount of milk from the breast, keep pumping for 2-5 minutes after the last drops of milk. Use breast massage prior to pumping, and massage and compressions during pumping to better empty the breasts and increase pumping output. "


HTH

 

I have been exclusively pumping for my 33 weekers for almost 5 months now. They get 80% breastmilk and 20% formula (for the occasional outing when I don't have time to pump). They were too little to be able to breastfeed and never really caught on. So good luck and know that even if they don't ever breastfeed directly it is possible to give them breastmilk by pumping (hard, but possible).

 

QUOTE(Golgotwins @ Sep 20 2007, 07:55 AM) [snapback]415657[/snapback]
I have been exclusively pumping for my 33 weekers for almost 5 months now. They get 80% breastmilk and 20% formula (for the occasional outing when I don't have time to pump). They were too little to be able to breastfeed and never really caught on. So good luck and know that even if they don't ever breastfeed directly it is possible to give them breastmilk by pumping (hard, but possible).



thank u girls soooo much ... u give me sooo much hope ... i hope the supply goes up =) ...... what pumps did u use ... right now im renting but its a bit pricey soo u know i want just buy 1 and keep =)

 

I don't have experience with the NICU but wanted to say WELCOME.. this board is awesome. So many moms answer ALL questions posted. Come back often.

 

It is highly suggested to rent a hospital grade pump for the first few months to get your supply to where it needs to be with twins, I rented one for about 3/4 months then bought a Pump In Style Advanced. If they take the breast I would continue nursing as often as you can, as this will really increase your supply best.

HTH

 

Congrats on the arrival of your babies

What you are pumping out is perfectly normal and you are doing the right thing by pumping every 2 hours. In terms of supply, the sooner you can get the babies on the breast, the better. Nursing is better at keeping up your supply than the pump (the babies are more efficient at emptying your breasts than the pump). But for the moment, since they are in NICU, a hospital grade pump should do the job.

I know it's hard to not see the volume of what they are drinking when the babies are nursing, but if you can let go of that worry and just nurse, I think you will save yourself a lot of headache. Once you start giving bottles in addition to nursing, things get complicated with trying to figure out if they are getting enough, keeping up with pumping enough to fill the bottles, etc. Many moms tend to doubt their supply because the babies will drink more out of a bottle than from the breast, so it appears that they aren't making enough milk.

If you mostly nurse and watch the number of wet and messy diapers, as well as your babies' weight gain, I think it will be easier on you in the long run.

Sounds like you are doing great so far! Keep us posted!

Michelle