NICU babies and pumping?
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Michelle Neuringer
Jan 27, 2015, 6:42:13 AM1/27/15
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Hi all!
First off, thank you so much for all your kind words, condolences and congratulations during this complex time.
Second, Maia's been in the NICU since birth (her oxygen levels weren't high enough) - this is a new experience for me as Zoe did not require special attention at the beginning. The lactation consultant (whom I probably won't get to see again, as no one can get to work in this weather) encouraged me to pump every 3 hours and send whatever little I produce to Maia.
The first 3 times I pumped I was encouraged, as *something* - not much, but at least something - came out. But the last 3 times (12am, 3am, 6am) were totally dry. Is it possible that the first drops I pumped were leftover toddler milk, and I actually don't have any colostrum yet?
Also interested in hearing about any experiences with NICU babies where you had to delay skin to skin / breastfeeding for a couple of days. Super worried that the delay will cause complications when I get to start breastfeeding Maia.
Hope everyone is safe and sound in this storm! Lots of love.
Also: for those of you who have asked for my new address, here it is:
192 East 5th Street 1A
Brooklyn NY 11218
First off, thank you so much for all your kind words, condolences and congratulations during this complex time.
Second, Maia's been in the NICU since birth (her oxygen levels weren't high enough) - this is a new experience for me as Zoe did not require special attention at the beginning. The lactation consultant (whom I probably won't get to see again, as no one can get to work in this weather) encouraged me to pump every 3 hours and send whatever little I produce to Maia.
The first 3 times I pumped I was encouraged, as *something* - not much, but at least something - came out. But the last 3 times (12am, 3am, 6am) were totally dry. Is it possible that the first drops I pumped were leftover toddler milk, and I actually don't have any colostrum yet?
Also interested in hearing about any experiences with NICU babies where you had to delay skin to skin / breastfeeding for a couple of days. Super worried that the delay will cause complications when I get to start breastfeeding Maia.
Hope everyone is safe and sound in this storm! Lots of love.
Also: for those of you who have asked for my new address, here it is:
192 East 5th Street 1A
Brooklyn NY 11218
Jessica Fischer
Jan 27, 2015, 8:34:13 AM1/27/15
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Hi Michelle,
Congratulations on sweet baby Maia! I'm sorry she is in the NICU. It's hard, no matter the severity of the situation. Right now, you're really doing all you can. Just keep pumping!
Welles was in the NICU for 9 days. I wasn't able to get skin to skin contact for the first 5 because he was connected to all kinds of wires and IVs. I was super stressed bc like you I wasn't getting much, if anything, when I pumped. By day 5 my milk still had not come in. I was freaking out at that point but finally, finally day 7 my milk came in. In my opinion, the skin to skin and direct contact was what jump started this process. Just keep pushing on them to let you feed her. If it's going to effect her negatively they of course won't let you but sometimes I feel like if you aren't constantly in their ear things take longer than they should.
When I was finally able to get Welles on the boob he latched but it took a few days to really get into the swing of things. Just trust that your body knows what to do and things will come together!
Sending lots of love,
Jess
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Congratulations on sweet baby Maia! I'm sorry she is in the NICU. It's hard, no matter the severity of the situation. Right now, you're really doing all you can. Just keep pumping!
Welles was in the NICU for 9 days. I wasn't able to get skin to skin contact for the first 5 because he was connected to all kinds of wires and IVs. I was super stressed bc like you I wasn't getting much, if anything, when I pumped. By day 5 my milk still had not come in. I was freaking out at that point but finally, finally day 7 my milk came in. In my opinion, the skin to skin and direct contact was what jump started this process. Just keep pushing on them to let you feed her. If it's going to effect her negatively they of course won't let you but sometimes I feel like if you aren't constantly in their ear things take longer than they should.
When I was finally able to get Welles on the boob he latched but it took a few days to really get into the swing of things. Just trust that your body knows what to do and things will come together!
Sending lots of love,
Jess
Sent from my iPhone
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brooklyn Mommies " group.
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Lorena Ramirez
Jan 27, 2015, 9:02:35 AM1/27/15
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Hi Michelle,
My heart goes out to you! And I'm sending loads of love, healing, and prayers your way. At which hospital are you? And how is Maia progressing?
Regarding the practical information of having a baby in the NICU, pumping, skin to skin, Etc., here's my experience.
1) a lot of how willing they are to unplug the baby from machines and allow you skin to skin and breastfeeding has to do with the hospital philosophy and your team of doctors. At NYU, they were eager to allow me to breastfeed and needed to wait for her to start breathing on her own (though she still had a canula when I was allowed to breastfeed 5 days after she was born), and other stats leveled off. She was only allow to eat on day 3 and was bottle/dropper fed any collustrum I had accumulated (btw, maybe it was 5ml at most). They needed to control her intake amount and wanted to see if her digestive system was working well. On day 4 a nurse allowed me to surreptitiously slip Lili a syringe of collustrum--she was starving!
So 1 make a point that skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, etc., is important to you and find an advocate--a lactation consultant nurse, ask to see the hospital social worker if you need to. I had to forfeit a lot of the skin-to-skin because Lili was so plugged into things and was so critical at first. So hang in there, she'll be in your arms soon!
2) breastfeeding:
Don't be disheartened! Make sure you are well hydrated at all times, make sure that you eat and above all sleep as much as possible. Here's what I did: pumped every 2-3 hours during the day for 15 minutes, at night gave myself one 5 hour stretch and then resumed the pumping schedule. It worked for me, but I'll be the first to tell you that if I skipped lunch my session would yield 2oz less or if I forgot water I would do as little as only 1oz per breast at a pump. In the end, I had enough, milk came in, Lili had at most 20 oz of formula during the whole hospital stay (because I produced loads after a few days). And, formula is not a bad thing either but when you're feeling so powerless, it becomes so important.
In the meantime, I am happy to talk on the phone if you just want to vent, cry, or commiserate. Or if you have any other practical questions. 917-744-1551. Also if you need anything, we're here!
Big hugs and love your way!
Lorena
My heart goes out to you! And I'm sending loads of love, healing, and prayers your way. At which hospital are you? And how is Maia progressing?
Regarding the practical information of having a baby in the NICU, pumping, skin to skin, Etc., here's my experience.
1) a lot of how willing they are to unplug the baby from machines and allow you skin to skin and breastfeeding has to do with the hospital philosophy and your team of doctors. At NYU, they were eager to allow me to breastfeed and needed to wait for her to start breathing on her own (though she still had a canula when I was allowed to breastfeed 5 days after she was born), and other stats leveled off. She was only allow to eat on day 3 and was bottle/dropper fed any collustrum I had accumulated (btw, maybe it was 5ml at most). They needed to control her intake amount and wanted to see if her digestive system was working well. On day 4 a nurse allowed me to surreptitiously slip Lili a syringe of collustrum--she was starving!
So 1 make a point that skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, etc., is important to you and find an advocate--a lactation consultant nurse, ask to see the hospital social worker if you need to. I had to forfeit a lot of the skin-to-skin because Lili was so plugged into things and was so critical at first. So hang in there, she'll be in your arms soon!
2) breastfeeding:
Don't be disheartened! Make sure you are well hydrated at all times, make sure that you eat and above all sleep as much as possible. Here's what I did: pumped every 2-3 hours during the day for 15 minutes, at night gave myself one 5 hour stretch and then resumed the pumping schedule. It worked for me, but I'll be the first to tell you that if I skipped lunch my session would yield 2oz less or if I forgot water I would do as little as only 1oz per breast at a pump. In the end, I had enough, milk came in, Lili had at most 20 oz of formula during the whole hospital stay (because I produced loads after a few days). And, formula is not a bad thing either but when you're feeling so powerless, it becomes so important.
In the meantime, I am happy to talk on the phone if you just want to vent, cry, or commiserate. Or if you have any other practical questions. 917-744-1551. Also if you need anything, we're here!
Big hugs and love your way!
Lorena
Gabrielle Maxwell
Jan 27, 2015, 10:03:34 AM1/27/15
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Mazel tov, Michelle. Maia is a very lucky little girl to be part of your family! I love her name, too! =)
While Maddie didn't have a NICU stay, she was jaundice when she was born and it took quite a while for my milk to come in. I was terrified that those first few days when I needed to offer her formula in a bottle would derail breastfeeding, but once my milk came in we found our groove.
I hope that you are feeling like you are healing well and quickly. Remember to take care of yourself to the extent you can, too, and lean on us as much as possible.
Sending love!
Gabi
Dara Webman
Jan 27, 2015, 10:33:12 AM1/27/15
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Congratulations Michelle and welcome to the world baby Maia!
I hope you are feeling ok and starting the recovery process. I have no breastfeeding advice but wanted to offer my congratulations.
Please let us know if you need anything!
Dara
I hope you are feeling ok and starting the recovery process. I have no breastfeeding advice but wanted to offer my congratulations.
Please let us know if you need anything!
Dara
Nell Susan Reid
Jan 27, 2015, 10:45:53 AM1/27/15
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Sorry sweetie - know how stressful that must be. Theo also never had to be in the NICU - but my milk didn’t come in for DAYS and I had all that pressure to do formula, they wouldn’t let me leave the hospital, he was super slow to latch, gain weight, learn how to nurse but we eventually gained our footing and it all worked out. It was super upsetting and stressful and I was a WRECK. My advice to myself during those days now would be to relax a bit about the formula if they push it - push for as much skin to skin as you possibly can to jumpstart your own body - stay hydrated and fed and keep pumping and try to keep faith the nursing will happen once you get more time with your little girl and get her home. But I agree - get an advocate there at the hospital to push for you.
Stay strong mama. I am sending you huge hugs virtually.
How’s Zoe doing?
Michelle Neuringer
Jan 27, 2015, 2:16:47 PM1/27/15
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Thank you thank you thank you for these encouraging words. Lorena, I will implement each and every one of your tips (just finished a giant lunch) and stick with the program. In fact, I was just allowed to feed her in the NICU since she's breathing without assistance and I plan to go there again in an hour or so. We're crossing our fingers that she'll be transferred to the regular nursery tomorrow after we get some additional test results (an echo?) and let the antibiotics run their course. I can't wait to have her near me!!!
Will send photos soon... she looks just like Zoe did as a newborn - full head of dark hair, long lashes - but petite at only 6 pounds.
Zoe is being spoiled rotten by Nate's parents. She seems to be doing fine.
My mom's funeral is on Thursday and I won't be able to be there. Still can't wrap my head around that. But I'll have some close friends with me at the hospital that day and will somehow get through the day. My cousin will be delivering my eulogy, which Nate is currently transcribing. This is so hard.
Going to shower and sleep... Zzzzz. Love to you all!
Kimberly Brooks
Jan 27, 2015, 5:27:13 PM1/27/15
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Michelle, Love and prayers being sent your way... Are you at Cornell/Pres again? I have a ton of lactation specialists in my "Rolodex" you could reach out to if you are still having trouble in a week or two. (Including a breast feeding doctor who is wonderful.) I would say that, although I didn't have NICU experience, I really believe that being well rested and staying hydrated, like Lorena suggested, will definitely be beneficial. You've been through so much in the past few days, and I know it's probably so hard to do, but avoiding extra stress will probably help too. I'm confident that everything will most likely work itself out, but I would agree with the others that giving her some formula if that needs to happen is okay.
Poppy, as you know was supplemented and bf, and although I was so devastated about it for a long time, Iooking back I feel like I missed out on some other parts of her babyhood and my early motherhood because I was beyond determined to make it happen. (So I can understand that component of what you are going through.) Anyway,as I said, I really feel that it's going to work out whatever happens. Thinking of you every day this week... Love, |
Jessica Sperling
Jan 27, 2015, 9:57:56 PM1/27/15
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Hi Michelle-
I don't have any set advice on the NICU experience, but everything others have been saying seems pretty reassuring! I second Kim trying not to stress if Maia needs to get a little formula. I exclusively bf'ed Eve but was have had to supplement with Liddy - for a while I felt guilty all the time, but I realized that, in the end, she's really fine. Hopefully you don't find yourself in that position - but, general message being not to panic about a little formula.
I also wanted to say congrats!!! Can't wait to meet Maia and see pictures!
Jess
Kathy Byfield
Jan 28, 2015, 9:33:40 AM1/28/15
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Michelle, congrats on little Maia! How are you feeling? I can't imagine all you must be going through. Your courage and strength is amazing and your Mom is so proud of you.
So happy to hear Zoë is being spoiled by Grandparents :)
I don't have any NICU experience, but I echo what others are saying regarding supplementing, and not worrying too much about that right now. I supplemented both of my kids (especially at first), and while Emm wasn't the greatest nurser, Owen loves it and is still nursing at 16+ months. I wish I hadn't beat myself up so much about it with Emmet, because I don't think it had anything to do with how he nursed later on. Keep on pumpin'
You're doing great and we love you!!
Kathy
Megan Campbell Marsh
Jan 28, 2015, 11:51:14 AM1/28/15
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Another formula supplementer here! I had to supplement in the hospital with Maxwell, then got him to exclusively breastfeed for a while, and then supplemented again when supply lowered after going back to work. Same dip in supply with Olive now that I'm back at work, so she is getting formula half the time these days.
We are all thinking of you, your family, and little Maia! Sending lots of love your way this week! You are an amazing strong momma!
From: Kathy Byfield <kathyh...@gmail.com>
To: "brookly...@googlegroups.com" <brookly...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2015 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: NICU babies and pumping?
Michelle Neuringer
Jan 28, 2015, 8:10:53 PM1/28/15
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Quick update: my milk supply has increased and Maia's slowly learning how to eat. It's been a pain having to trek to the NICU every couple hours to feed her, but luckily tonight they moved her to a different unit (CCN) that's closer to my room. She still can't leave the unit for feedings, but at least she's close.
On a scary note, she had an apnea episode last night and so they're keeping her for 5 more days to monitor her breathing. So even with my extended stay for c-section recovery, Maia will be staying in the hospital longer than I. We'll probably make a weekend out of it and do something fun in the city for Zoe while visiting Maia. I can't wait to be home.
Tomorrow will certainly be the hardest day - my mom's best friend and 2 of my oldest friends are joining me in the hospital to memorialize my mom on the day of her funeral. Thank you for all the good, strong thoughts - keep sending them this way as I will need them :)
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