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Specialties & ConditionsNeonatologyResources Breastfeeding: Building a Breast Milk Supply
After giving birth, your body is ready to produce milk when your breasts are stimulated. If your baby is unable to breastfeed, the NICU nursing staff and breastfeeding counselors at Lurie Children's can help you develop and maintain a good supply of breast milk.
You have a hospital grade electric pump located in your baby's room. It is kept in a drawer by the closet. This pump is available for your use only while in the hospital. The pump must stay in the patient room at all times. There is a lactation room located on the north side of the NICU. Ask your nurse to escort you to the room if needed.
It may take up to 2 weeks to establish a full supply of breast milk. It is normal to only get a few drops of milk for the first few days to a week. Save those drops! This is called colostrum, and may look thicker than your regular milk supply that will come in. Colostrum has very important infection-fighting properties that are important for your baby. We can feed your baby the colostrum you pump as soon as they are ready to eat. Keep pumping and be patient for your milk to come in.
After you have a good supply, you may be able to pump less often. Try sleeping for one 5 to 6 hour stretch at night. Be sure to watch your milk supply, as pumping less often can cause a decrease in milk volume. Always empty your breasts each time you pump.
Let down is when your breasts release milk, in response to signals from your hormones and nervous system. Relaxation is the key. Let-down happens easier if you are not tired or stressed. Find what works for you. Here are some ways to enhance let-down:
Before and during pumping, gently massage your breasts to help milk flow. Start your pump at low pressure. Gradually turn up the suction so that you feel a deep pulling sensation. The highest setting may not be needed. Pumping should NOT hurt.
If your milk will not be used within 4 hours, pour it into a plastic bottle with a secure lid. We will provide you with these bottles. Label the bottle with the date and time the milk was pumped. Your nurse will give you breastmilk labels with your baby's name and medical record number. These labels will also have a barcode on them that will be scanned before each feeding, to make sure your baby gets only your breast milk.
If your baby is not eating, freeze your milk right after pumping. When you bring your milk to the hospital, keep it cold in a small cooler with ice or ice packs. The hospital has limited storage, but we will store a portion of your milk in our breast milk freezers and refrigerators.
Refer to this cart to make sure any stored milk is still safe to use for feeding your child:
| Milk Stored Here | Is Safe For |
| Room temperature | 4 hours |
| Refrigerator (FRESH MILK) | 48 hours |
| Refrigerator (defrosted milk or milk with fortifier added) | 24 hours |
| Frost-free freezer | 3 to 6 months |
| Deep freezer | Up to one year |
Check in with the nurse often to keep a close track of your milk supply that is stored here at the hospital. At discharge, we will provide you with information for storing breast milk at home. When your baby is ready to go home, ask your nurse to check the freezer for any of your milk so you can take it home.
Each pump kit comes with a manufacturer's booklet containing instructions for cleaning your pump and pump kit.
Be sure to follow these steps to clean the different parts of your pump kit after each pumping session:
Studies show that skin-to-skin contact (also known as Kangaroo Care) increases milk supply. Kangaroo Care can increase breastfeeding hormones oxytoxcin and prolactin to trigger milk production. Try to do it daily if your baby's condition allows. Ask your baby's nurse if you may Kangaroo an hour before pumping. We have additional information about the benefits of Kangaroo Care available.
Pumping not only helps you make milk, it also helps your uterus (womb) shrink and decrease bleeding.
Stay healthy to keep up your milk supply. It is important to:
Meal tickets are available at the hospital for breastfeeding mothers. Each ticket is worth $6 and you may get 3 tickets every day - one for each meal. They are only valid at our hospital cafeteria and you may get them from the unit secretary on your floor.
While bathing or showering, wash your breasts with water only and pat dry. Avoid soap or lotion on your breasts because they can be drying and cause irritation.
We have further information to help you if you have other discomforts during pumping.
Remember: When your baby is ready to go home, ask your nurse to check the freezer for any of your milk so you can take it home.
Ask your nurse or ask to speak with a Breastfeeding Counselor if:
This page is not specific to you and your baby, but provides general information. If you have any questions while at Lurie Children's, please ask your nurse or request to speak to a Breastfeeding Counselor. We will continue to support you throughout your baby's course in the NICU.
