Discount Breast Pumps and Supplies

The best food for premature babies is the mother's breast milk. Many mothers of premature babies are afraid that their bodies will not make enough milk, since the baby came early.

It is more likely that they are just under so much emotional stress and physical drain, that their bodies aren't making the milk as easily.

It is important to express as much milk as you can, even if it's only a few cc's, as this will start the body processes to make milk. It will likely take a good breastpump to help you get the proper action needed for the milk production. The best decision will be a dual pumping and powerful electric breast pump as it will be the most effective at stimulating the mother's body to release "prolactin", a hormone that results in more milk production.

There many good breast pump choices such as, Medela Symphony, Medela Classic and others in the Medela line of pumps. Most mothers find that an initial schedule of about every 2 hours is necessary to get things going.

photo credit: jdsmith1021

If your baby was nursing, that would be about the schedule that would naturally happen.

Try to make the session of breastpumping last about 10-15 minutes, even if you don't produce much milk, as this physical action will stimulate the prolactin production. Always go a couple of minutes past the last milk you see flowing into the collection cup. Almost all women will have no milk after 20 or so minutes of pumping.

If you try to go longer, you risk risk causing very sore nipples, and this won't help the overall process. You will probably find that you will pump about 8 - 12 times a day, and yes, that seems like a lot.

Here are a few simple hints to help you increase or maximize your milk production. Get plenty of rest. Accept when others offer to do things for you, so you can take a nap. There is a huge impact on milk production when you get enough rest, and that is what you need to do for your premature baby. If you have pain, take the medicine. A mother that is in pain, will not be able to produce as much milk. Your doctor should prescribe the best pain medication and the doctor understands that you are breastfeeding. If he does not, be sure he/she knows.

Breast milk is the best food for a premature baby and can help them mature more quickly and stave off viruses in the fist critical days of their lives. You will be the best thing you can for them by learning to use a good breast pump and providing them God's designed food.