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Geraldine
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My new born is in intensive care and i am expressing milk once a day to take to the hospital. At first my supply was fine, abundant even but today (day 11) I could hardly produce half my normal 100ml. I am worried my supply will dry up all together. Any suggestions?
Hi there Marion,
Sorry to miss you on Baby Expert this morning.
Sometimes the stress of expressing for a tiny baby in intensive care can take its toll on milk supply. It is therefore really important that you do everything you practically can to ensure the survival of your milk.
Express both breasts frequently. The more frequently you stimulate, the more they will expect to produce.
Express both breasts at the same time if you are able to, as this will increase your prolactin levels and thus milk supply.
If you can’t double pump, switch pump, swtiching to the other breasts when you are no longer able to get any milk – right – left – right – left. This way both sides will be stimulated more than once in any expressing session = the more they are stimulated the more they produce.
Compress the breast during the session to help push the milk down toward the nipple.
Ensure that the pump is not indenting the breast, but rather just resting on the breast enough to create a good suction.
Don’t stare at the pump whilst pumping – distract yourself and try to relax if possible – plan a holiday or something to take your mind off pumping. Some mums are able to focus on their newborn, but often this is incredibly stressful, so find what works for you.
Make sure you are eating and drinking enough during the day. Hospitals are hot and it is easy to dehydrate which will affect your supply. Food willnouish your body and give it the strength it needs to produce milk.
Speak to your midwife about increasing your supply – each hospital will have a different policy.
Lastly – remember you are human. You will have days when you simply produce less than the day before. You are doing a great job expressing milk for you little one – don’t push yourself too hard.
Please get yourself a copy of the Low Milk Supply eBook – http://www.letsbreastfeed.com/instantonlinehelp/ as it has tons of practical solutions to help you on your way.
I hope this helps and please touch base if there is anything further I can help with.
Kind regards,
Geraldine