I've been working with mothers since 1997 and I have seen my fair share of premature babies.  Most rememberable was the infant born at 23 weeks.  This mother sought me out looking for a hospital grade breast pump rental so that she could get her milk to come in and provide breastmilk to her preemie.  I won't go into all of the details, but I'm happy to say that mother and baby were true champions.

If something goes awry and you become faced with the challenges and stresses of a premature birth, DON'T DESPAIR!  Providing breast milk to your premature baby is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy thriving baby at term!

Let me begin by saying that pregnancy has prepared you for the most natural and healthy way to feed your baby.  Full-term babies and preemies alike most definitely will benefit from your breast milk. 

What IS Breastmilk?
Your breast milk is the most NATURAL source of food that you can provide for your infant.  Their delicate digestive systems are especially designed for processing and digesting your milk.  First and foremost, your breast milk contains several types of immunity factors, not found in processed formula.  These immunity factors help to protect your baby against many germs and bacterias.   Premature babies are at a higher risk and most vulnerble to infections during this time.   Research has shown that premature babies who receive breast milk have shorter hospital stays, less infections, better bone development, better brain growth and intellectual development and better vision than those babies fed formula.

Your breast milk nutrition content is higher in protien, sodium, chloride, calcium, iron and nitrogen than ANY infant formula available.  It helps your baby's digestive and nervous systems mature because it contains special hormones and growth factors. 

How Do I Provide Breast Milk For My Baby?
Depending on how early or premature your infant is will determine if you will be able to breastfeed or if you will need to establish your milk supply using a hospital grade breast pump.

      If your baby has development issues which make breastfeeding impossible, you will need to establish your milk supply using a hospital-grade breast pump like the one pictured on the left.  Shown first is the Ameda Elite, and second is the Medela Classic.  Most hospitals will carry something similar or either of these breast pumps.  If you are unable to rent one from the hospital, seek out a breast pump rental station in your area.  If you are a North Carolina resident, you can rent one directly Maternal Expressions.  Rental rates range in price from $50 - $80 per month, or on a per day charge.  Some discounts might be available from your local breast pump rental station if you need to keep the pump long-term.

NOTE: a non hospital grade pump that you could purchase from the pharmacy, Toys R Us, Babies R US, Target or Walmart may not provide the amount of breast stimulation that you will need to establish your breast milk supply while your baby is unable to breastfeed.  When in doubt - talk to your lactation consultant or pediatrician.

Be sure to purchase a DOUBLE pumping kit so that you can express milk from both breast at the same time.  This serves many purposes, however, the most important being that you will save precious time and double pumping helps stimulate the milk producing hormone prolactin and the hormone oxytocin which is responsible for contracting the milk ducts to release the milk.

It's possible due to the circumstances surrounding your baby's birth that your insurance company may cover the costs of renting a hospital grade breast pump.  Work with your baby's health care provider to write you a prescription stating that it is a MEDICAL NECESSITY to provide breast milk to your premature infant.  The term most frequently used for the rental of a pump is DME = Durable Medical Equipment.  Many mom's have been successful in getting their insurance company to cover these costs or even cover the expense of purchasing one.  Should you consider this option, a brand new hospital grade breast pump costs b/w $800 - $1000.

Tips For Successful Pumping
Be sure to wash your hands before handling your milk collection kit to prevent any contamination of your breast milk.

If possible, start pumping soon after giving birth, but certainly within the first 24 hours.  Be prepared to pump at least 8 - 10 times throughout the day.  If it helps to put yourself on a schedule, try for at least every 2 - 3 hours.  Double pump for at least 10 - 15 during the first three days or until your milk has "come in."  You may only get a few drops on the first attempt.  Try not to concern yourself with the amount of milk pumped.  In the beginning you breast will produce colostrum.  This is the very first "milk" that your body produces and it is filled with all sorts of nutrients, and anti-bodies.  Give the colostrum to your baby's nurse who will be able to feed it to the baby from a cup, spoon, or syringe.

As you continue with pumping and your supply is more than your baby can consume.  You should consider storing the excess for later use.  You should only store your breast milk in either glass or polypropylene (BPA FREE) storage containers.  Storage recommendations for breast milk for premature infants is generally more conservative than breast milk for full-term babies.  Ask for your hospital's policy on breast milk storage for premature babies.  I would ask first, but here is what is usually recommended:

Freshly Expressed Breast Milk: 1 to 2 hours

In the Refrigerator: 24 - 48 hours

In the Freezer: three to six months

Clearly label each container with the date and time that the milk was expressed.  Your breast milk is always changing to meet the needs of your growing infant.  Always use the oldest milk first.

THIS GUIDE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION!  I SHOULD BE FINISHED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS!  Sorry for any inconvenice.   But with 2 full-time jobs, two children, and a husband, my time is quite short.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.  I answer all emails.