**Disclaimer**
This contains information on breastfeeding and pumping.
I warned you! If you aren't into all the talk and jargon that comes with breastfeeding that's okay! You can become informed or happily close the blog. Either way, it's up to you.
"Pumping Newbie", I feel, is another title I get to add to my name as a mom. In the weeks and months to come I hope to step into the title Professional Pumper or Pumping Pro. Coming from two unhappy breastfeeding experiences with my two other children, now ages 2 and 4, I was very worried about my supply. My worried doubled when we found out it was twins!
With my other two boys I didn't breast feed them for very long. About a month with my first one and then just shy of four months with my second. Looking back I know why we weren't able to go for very long. I will get to that later.
Since the girls were early, a C-section, and in NICU I wasn't able to start the whole skin to skin and nursing process right away. I wanted to start pumping as soon as possible to get my supply going even though the girls would not be eating anything for 24 hours. The nurses were very positive and reminded me that it will take 3-5 days for my milk to come in. They wanted me to pump every 3 hours for 30 minutes to mimic the eating times of newborns. The first 3-4 pumping sessions were hit or miss if any colostrum came.
Our hospital uses donor milk from the local Milk Bank to supplement with until my milk came. I happily signed the form of consent to use donor just in case they were ready to eat but I wasn't producing.
Even after reading dozens of other blogs on breastfeeding, pumping exclusively, and keeping my supply high, I was still crazy nervous about not making enough for them. I had to remember the 3 most important things about milk supply: eat a healthy diet, don't over stress, and HYDRATE! I really do believe a strong habit of drinking water all day has helped me this time around. With my boys I didn't drink enough water during or after pregnancy and I am seeing the difference now! You should get into the habit of drinking half your body weight in ounces! (Example: Weight is 160 lbs so you should drink 80 oz of water each day.)
While I am pumping I try to hide the bottle part that is collecting the milk from my view. At times like this I believe your body can smell fear! Each time I pump I cover up a little whether I am alone or not. This keeps me from being tempted to check how much I'm pumping every few minutes. I do my best to stay distracted and not focus on my supply.
I have now been pumping for about a week. I have a chart that I am using to track my pump times, how long I pump and how much I produce. I am on the same schedule as the girls and pump when they are being fed. Keeping on a schedule as if I am physically feeding them is crucial. Not only does it help you keep you milk supply up but it also allows you to have a routine. This will help me tons when the girls come home from the NICU. We will be on the same schedule and it will be easier on all of us.
To recap on some things:
1. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE
2. Eat healthy
3. Keep your stress low
Every woman is different. Every milk supply is different. Every baby is different. Listen to your body and watch your baby carefully. If pumping and breastfeeding is not for you or, like me, you have to start on formula I want you to remember one thing:
Yes, breast is best but making sure your baby is eating enough whether it be breast milk or formula is the only thing that matters. Your baby is going to love you no matter how they are fed.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:25
No comments:
Post a Comment