Here are several things I often found helped moms of such premies.
1.  Once the flanges are positioned comfortably, DO NOT WATCH THE PUMP!  First, to be in a position to watch to see what's coming out, she is stooped over and not in a relaxed position.  Secondly, she is likely to be tense just wondering "where is it?" "What's wrong?".  Instead, I recommend she get herself comfortable, listen to calming music, perhaps a recorded book if available, or a calm TV show.  
2.  When at the hospital, pump while at baby's cribside and if possible right after holding or touching baby to take advantage of a hormone surge that can come from contact with baby.
3.  Imitate the sensations of having baby at the breast as much as possible: tactile-breast massage, not only to stimulate MER, but to approximate contact with baby's skin; visual-picture of baby; smell-blanket that has been in contact with baby's skin; if feasible, for auditory-recording of any sounds baby makes.
Hope some of this helps or stimulates you to think of other "tricks" to overcome the fact that a hard, mechanical object just isn't the same as a soft, cuddly baby.
Winnie Mading, retired LC and LLLL

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