>Bottom line--The best pumping routine for a MOM is one that establishes and
>maintains adequate milk production yet is one the mother finds realistic
and
>adaptable for her changing situation.
Karen, thanks for the great references. I will be sure to look them up. I
think that the reality for mother's of multiples is at times very
overwhelming, but in order to bring in a great milk supply which they will
need soon enough, mothers of multiples should pump as often as they plan to
feed. 30 minutes of double pumping every 3 hours for a triplet mom equals 3
20 minute feedings. This is the reality Mom will face when she gets home to
breastfeed, so she can start adapting while the babies are in the NICU. Is
it tough to keep up sometimes? yes, and there are times when you don't make
it every three hours because of commute time, conference with neonatologist,
or having a sleeping babies cuddled on your chest. I also was recovering
from 14 weeks of bedrest, a 3rd degree episiotomy, and a HCT of 24 due to
loss of blood during the delivery. It should be the goal, though. I often
hear from mothers of multiples who quit early and often it's because they're
"not producing enough." Usually these moms are feeding pumped milk and not
feeding at the breast and are producing 1/2 as much as babies need, it
doesn't take long for them to surpass you even with a vigorous pumping
schedule. Pumping frequently for long periods is what it takes to get your
milk in. At my peak I was producing about 90 - 100 ounces a day. Everyone
asks me, how do you do it? I believe, but have no research to prove, that
my early pumping routine, coupled with babies at breast as often as I could
manage were what made me successful.
Anne Nans, RN, IBCLC
Woodbridge, VA
Mom to breastfeeding Caleb and Riley, and Amy (who self weaned at 10 months,
much to her Mom's heartache) 12/17/98>
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