Tricia asks
 

If infant is unable to breastfeed, what is your institutions policy  about 
how soon nurses must help the mother initiate  pumping?

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Most institution policies are terrible.  Pumping should begin in  L&D, no 
later than 1 hour.  You will, in most cases, capture  anywhere from 10 to 20 
ml colostrum (most likely depending on mode of  delivery).  If you wait 6-8 
hours (many institution policies) you will get  drops around the flange if 
you are lucky.
 
After the initial pumping, mom needs to do hands-on pumping to increase  
supply and have plenty for the baby.
 
Ask your hospital to get you this article if you don't already have  it:  

Parker, LA et al.  2012.  Effect of early breast milk expression on milk 
volume and timing  of lactogenesis stage II among mothers of very low birth 
weight infants: a  pilot study.  J Perinatology.  32:205-209

 
And ask yourself and the staff at the hospital -- what do we gain by  
waiting to have mom pump?  Then think -- what do we lose?  And the  answer should 
be evident.
 
Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, FILCA
Lactation Education Consultants
Wheaton IL




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