In a message dated 97-08-24 13:41:58 EDT, you write:

> I expect it will be some weeks before
>baby will be at the breast.  Will the pumping be enough to establish and
>keep up her milk supply?
>
>She will be making a 6 hour flight from O'ahu to San Diego.  What are the
>storage guidelines?

Hi Netters,

Just wanted to quote Paula Meier from her new pamphlet "Professional Guide to
Breastfeeding Premature Infants" Frequent pumping and breast emptying during
the 1st week postbirth stimulate prolactin secretion, which is critical to
the establishment of an optimal milk yield."  Frequency is 8-12 times.  "This
optimal breast stimulation usually results in an excellent milk supply (eg,
800ml to 1000ml daily) within a week or 10 days.  After this time, the mother
may be able to pump slightly less frequently (eg, eight times daily) if
necessary.  One thing I have seen over the years and also heard from others,
is that mothers pumping over a period of time tend to gradually have a
decrease in milk.  What I have observed is usuallly it is due to the mother
decreasing the number of pumpings, thinking and or being told "do not worry,
you can increase the # of pumpings later and your milk will increase".   I am
mentioning Paula because at Rush Hospital, where she is affiliated,  they do
encourage the frequent pumpings and they do not have such a problem with a
low milk supply with the mothers with premies.
As far as storage of milk when traveling,  when I directed the Chicago Milk
Bank,  I would go to Baskin & Robins ice cream store to purchase some dry
ice.  Then you place the milk in a styrafoam container (or container that I
would line with styrafoam) and wrap the dry ice pieces or piece in brown ( I
used grocery bags) paper and place in container.  It stays for at least a day
frozen in dry ice and cold for a longer period of time.   Good-luck.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela
Naperville, IL  - where the kido made it off to her first day of school