A NICU mom recently went home, worrying about supply and milk transfer at the breast. She was also a little discouraged from the start of her baby's NICU experience when she was told that her newborn would probably be supplemented with formula until her own milk came in. Many moms make the decision early on in the pregnancy (or before!) to provide only breast milk for their child. Although a NICU stay entails greater obstacles with going directly to the breast, we have great double-electric pumps to mimic breastfeeding and help moms produce milk for their babies. This particular mom was heart broken by the fact that her baby received formula in the first few days of life while her milk slowly came in. She came to one GEMs meeting and I think it help her regain her confidence in her decision to only feed her baby breast milk, and to eventually breastfeed. With the help of a few Breastfeeding Resource Nurses on the unit, baby was on his way home breastfeeding some of the time.
Then I received an email: "Rosie, you would be so proud. [We] are successfully nursing in less than 12 hours of being home...omg so happy...I could not have done it without the support from you, Kim, and Mary Lou...no formula in this house!"
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Another NICU baby was just discharged home a week ago. Mom was a frequent GEMs participant, as her child was born extremely premature and had a long NICU stay. She was dedicated to pumping to provide her little girl with breast milk, as she breastfed her other children. Some preemies, even when they reach their full term age, have difficulties feeding by mouth, and often go home with a feeding tube. This mom was able to attempt at-breast feeds, but baby could not exclusively feed at the breast and went home with a tube. Mom was also having issues with a decrease in milk supply as the discharge date approached. She attended the Medela Bra Event, and I was able to give her some at-home pumping advice, and recommended a hands-free pumping bra, so she could pump and keep her other kids busy at the same time!
Once home, Mom emailed me: "Pumping is going so much better...sometimes she breastfeeds. Thanks so much for your support it made all the difference. I told my husband that some day I want to help other moms breastfeed...I learned so much about it at the hospital, a lot of that is thanks to you!"
Wow! My goal is to educate and empower our moms...but to inspire them to help other moms is BEYOND my expectations, and makes me so proud!
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These stories keep me motivated, and reminds me that the need for lactation education and support is essential for moms of hospitalized babies to provide breast milk and/or breastfeed their infants. These moms went home with a feeling of accomplishment and pride in knowing they are providing the best nutrition and immune protection for their baby, despite a hospital experience during which they felt they could do little else for their baby's recovery!
Keep your stories coming, Ladies...they are truly inspiring!!!!
