pumping colostrum

Looking for advice from btdt moms on pumping colostrum. Dd was born a month early and is not allowed to eat yet so I'm trying to pump as best I can. I seem to be doing best by hand expressing but it's only a few drops each time. I keep hearing that's normal but I haven't gotten to see an lc yet so I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do to get a little more. I don't know if I should do the electric for a few minutes after I hand express or if that's not worth it since it doesn't get me anything. I'm guessing my milk won't come on for at least another 24 hours

pumping colostrum

Yes! Use the electronic pump! I breast fed in the hospital from the breast only but my BFF had a difficult c section and she and baby had fevers so baby was in nicu. She pumped mostly while they were in the hospital and she was using the electronic pump and was able to make enough for the baby to have bottles.

Every time you pump (even if nothing comes out) you're telling your body to make milk, it'll only help it come in faster. Also baby's belly is so small and tiny and this milk is called liquid gold for a reason. Make sure you're drinking a lot of water too. Good luck and congrats on the baby!

Re: pumping colostrum

I agree with the PP. Definately try the electric pump.

Good Luck!

Message edited 11/19/2014 9:37:42 AM.

pumping colostrum

Thanks girls. The hand expressing was just much more productive at first. I stayed getting a lot more so now I'm switching to the electric and it seems to be going alright. Can't wait till she can actually get some of this milk whether it's pumped or directly. Poor girl is definitely hungry

Re: pumping colostrum

Colustrum is hard to pump. Your body only makes a tsp at a time, and since it's thicker than BM, some of it can get caught in the pump parts. Check out Youtube video on how to hand express milk.

Also... if possible, try to do this when you're near the baby. If not, look at a picture. You have an older child, right? If skin to skin is not an option with your NICU baby, do it with your firstborn and it will help your milk come in.

Hang in there mama. Harass the nurses until the LC can see you. Frankly, it's BS that they haven't been there yet. Yell.

My NICU baby is turns 2 today, so I have an idea of how you feel.