The
“problem” with pumping your breasts to make milk for your baby is the pump is not your cute, portable baby with a soft mouth. The pump represents a baby unable
to breastfeed in the NICU initially, due to:
- Anatomy
- Premature birth
- Diagnosis
- Nothing by mouth (NPO)
- Diagnostic testing
- Separation of mom and baby
Many moms
desire to breastfeed their newborn. A NICU stay can certainly throw a wrench in
that plan, especially when unexpected. Most private insurance companies do
provide a breast pump for the expectant or newly delivered mom. When the delivery is premature, mom will
unlikely have a pump available for home use. If mom does have a pump, it may
not be the quality best suited for a NICU admission or lengthy stay. Locating a
quality breast pump in a timely manner is crucial to establish a full milk
supply.
Pumping milk
requires a commitment of time and some organization. Pumps are more difficult
to travel with than a baby.
Pumping includes:
- Supplies (labels and bottles)
- 15 to 30 minutes to pump with a
double breast pump
- Time to clean the pump kit after use
- Pumping a minimum of 8 times in 24
hours (with at least once during the night) to establish and maintain a breast
milk supply
Most moms understand the health benefits of breast milk for
their infants. The NICU infant is at greater risk of infection and
complications. Mom will also benefit from providing milk for her baby,
including decreased risk of certain cancers as well as other health issues.
There are a few women that are unable to establish a full
milk supply. Several reasons include mom’s health history, previous breast
surgery, a few medications, and delayed onset of beginning to pump (when able,
it is recommended to begin pumping one hour after delivery). Mom certainly should
begin pumping within the first 24 hours (understanding mom may have had a
complicated delivery, which may delay pumping).
Most moms respond to a quality breast pump.
There are some women that have reported it is not comfortable to pump or
awkward. When a mom desires to ultimately breast feed her infant, it is
important for her to have support to remain motivated to pump as often as
necessary. Support can come from the father of the baby, grandparents, siblings, close friends, and staff. A special diet is not required
(although for the mother to feel her best, she does need to eat). Moms with other
children at home and/or returning to work while their infant is in the NICU
certainly feel the pull in many directions.
Pumping can be rewarding when a mom knows she is nourishing
her infant. Many moms report feelings of “it’s the one thing I can do.”
Lactation at CHKD is here to support you, whatever your lactation goals may be.
My take away for moms (and families) is:
- Seek lactation assistance as soon as you notice any changes in your milk supply or
your breasts. It is always easier to troubleshoot sooner than later
- Find
your “tribe” of support people
About Kitty Katz, IBCLC

Kitty Katz has been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for 29 years, 20 of those in CHKD's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She is also a member of the NICU Family Advisory Council. She loves to spend time with her family, including her husband, two daughters, their husbands and four grandchildren.