Hi All,
Am working with a 2nd time mom (BF the first for 15 mo).  She delivered 24
wk twin girls last Sun (June 22).  She did pumping with a hand pump a few
times (no more than 5) between Sun nite and Mon nite.  Hosp gave her NO
assisstance what-so-ever (typical of this particular hosp.  Think I need to
go in and offer my services???).  She came to me on Tues nite, breasts just
starting to feel a bit tender, had no leaking of colostrom.  When she used
the hand pump she got nothing (but pain...bad pump).
She started pumping Wed morn (tho I told her to get started ASAP Tues nite).
She is trying to keep a reg sched of pumping q 2hrs daytime and q 3 hrs at
nite (after bedtime).  She is concerned that she is getting only tiny
amounts of colostrom/milk.  We're talking about 10-15cc's per breast per
pumping, max.  She does see that it is increasing from when she first
started pumping, but it is not as much as what someone else told her she
should be getting.  She wants to start on herbs  right away to increase her
supply, but I am hesitant to encourage this.  I have reccommended
relaxation, rest, eat healthy, drink to thirst, and see and touch babies as
much as possible.  Also, have re-inforced pumping 10-12 times per 24 hrs (BC
of twins) to help bring in her supply.  What I feel is happening is that her
body is getting a slow start at production bc of lack of stimulation for the
1st three days after birth.  ALso, she is under an enormous amount of
stress, which can cause probs with milk supplies.
What are your thoughts on this?  Should I go ahead and encourage herbs to up
her supply, or encourage her to keep doing what she needs to (pumping, etc.)
and see what her body can do?  The babies are not due for any EBM feeds for
at least another week, so having milk right now is not crucial.  However, I
do not want her to get stuck with a long term supply problem.
Why is it that some moms of premies do so well with their supplies, having
lots of milk from the start, while others have difficulties?
TIA for all help and advice.  Please e-mail to [log in to unmask] and to the
list.  I am behind, as usual, with my reading!
Jay
Jay Simpson, CLE
Sacramento, CA
Mama Milk is the Greatest!