When I landed in the NICU with a premature baby, I had barely used a breast pump before. It was a bit intimidating, really. But after awhile, I figured out a few things that helped, which I thought I would share with you.
Get a high-quality pump. Trust me, when you are pumping every few hours, you want a breast pump that does the job as efficiently as possible! I spent a lot of time researching breast pump brands, figuring out which was the best. I feel the comfort and efficiency of a quality pump is worth the cost. Check out Diapers .com for some really good options. Be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a great prize from them!
Slow down and take your time. So much talk of pumping is about schedules and time frames, etc, but if it is your first time using a breast pump, just slow down and take your time. Learn the machine, learn what settings work best for you. Don't try to crank up the speed and get it done as fast as possible - that could cause soreness and believe me, that's not worth it! Go at a speed that you are comfortable with.
Remember why you are doing this. There will be days and times it will be so inconvenient. Maybe you are sore. You will feel like quitting. Stop and think about your reason for pumping. You want your precious baby to have the best start possible, and we all know that breast milk is ideal for babies ! It is worth some trouble now, for their sakes, right? So keep going, mama, your baby needs you!
Get Comfortable. If you are at home, find your comfy chair, or corner of the couch. Put a few books or magazines nearby. Maybe the charging cord for your phone!
I spent most of my time pumping in the NICU,and I had access to a pumping room. Mine had private sections with comfy chairs and magazines. If you are using a breast pump at work, find a private, comfortable spot, if at all possible. I found that relaxing was key in having a good pumping session.
Drink plenty of water! The hospital gives you a large water cup when you have a baby, and I recommend keeping that jug filled! Take it with you everywhere you go. And if water isn't your thing - drink juice or tea, whatever. Drinking plenty of fluid helps more with milk supply than anything else. Here's some more tips on drinking enough. Eat good food, too. That is so important. You are feeding small human, remember? 😀
Get enough rest. I know how tempting it is to try to get a lot of work done when the baby is sleeping, but the fact is, you are not helping anyone by getting so worn out that you can't even function properly. You need rest to stay healthy to produce good milk. So get as much sleep as possible. Don't try to be superwoman. Take care of your baby's mama!
Remember that your baby is worth every effort! Give it the best start possible with your milk. 🙂
GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! Congratulations, Kim!
And hey! I am holding a giveaway for a $50.00 gift card, that will be great for you as a new mom! Diaper .com has so many fun options for using your prize, I am so happy to be offering this to you guys. If you don't have any babies currently, maybe you have a friend who would enjoy this prize! Winner will be announced towards the end of next week.
Giveaway rules:
1.Leave a comment below with your favorite thing about newborn babies!
2.For additional entries, share this post on Facebook, Pinterest, or other social media. Come back to leave a comment and let me know where you shared. Each social media platform that you share it on, counts as an extra entry! So go wild! 😀
This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal, with a prize of a gift certificate.
Congratulations to our giveaway winner; Kim!
I love the new baby snuggles! Watching them sleep in my arms I am always in awe of what an amazing God I serve!
Oh me too! Baby snuggles are the BEST!
Newborns are just so sweet. And they smell good. 🙂
I shared on FB.
Thanks! And I agree! Nothing like that newborn smell!
I'm not sure I can pick just one thing. 🙂 But I love that first moment when they are placed in your arms and how their little eyes peek open when they hear your familiar voice. Most precious thing in the entire world!
Yes it is. Most amazing moment ever!
Hmmm...so many favorites! The smell and softness of a new baby...oh and toes! Baby toes are just the cutest! 🙂
For sure! I love those tiny toes!
Shared on FB!
i love how they smell after a bath and being freshly lotioned. i especially love putting hair softening gel in black babies freshly washed hair. if i win this, it'll be put to good use when God brings me my babies in Tanzania! (Lord willing!)
That would be awesome!
i shared on FB, Pinterest, and Google+
They are so perfectly precious and cuddly! Who couldn't love them?
They are perfect! I agree!
I love snuggling a wee tiny baby! They are so fragile n helpless. ..also kissing their soft velvety skin!
I love little baby smiles!! And also holding a sleeping baby, how peaceful they look!
Thing I love about newborn babies is the awe of their being here. There little bitty hands and toes, ears, and nose. They are just to cute. Shared with my sisters on Facebook
It's such an amazing thing - holding a brand-new tiny person! Thanks for sharing!
I love the smell of a newborn! Johnson and Johnson brings back so many memories!
My favorite thing about newborn is their smell, there's nothing like it in the whole wide world <3
Shared on Twitter here --->
https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/819929768527179778
Shared on Pinterest too 🙂
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270216046373144750/
And shared on Google+
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HeatherSebastian/posts/XFif8LDBceY?sfc=true
Their beautiful soft skin!
I love watching babies sleep. Also, baby feet are the greatest!
shared--https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=390139591324437&id=100009851985013