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In This Post:
Understand the Needs and Challenges of a Premature Baby
Keeping an Adequate Milk Supply
- Don’t wait to use the pump. The longer you wait the less likely you are to have the milk you need.
- Pump as often as you would feed your child which can range from every 2 to 4 hours a day. Don’t skip the nighttime. This is important to keep it up.
- Use a quality pump that works good while being comfortable.
- Use warm compresses on the breasts to relax the tissue for more milk flow.
- Use herbs such as milk thistle, brewer’s yeast, or fenugreek to help stimulate milk.
- Stay healthy. You need to be healthy to have adequate milk.
The Personal Touch
Mother’s Health
- Rest – You need your rest. When you don’t rest, your body reacts negatively including the function of producing milk.
- Relax – Stress affects your entire body. Some women have noted that stress actually decreases their milk production.
- Eat good – The foods you eat affect your stress levels, your immune system, and your milk supply. You want to eat healthy during this time.
- Be healthy – You need to be healthy for your child. He needs you. He needs you healthy and ready to take care of him when he goes home.