Day Seventeen. Pumping! Ugh, the very sound of the word makes me cringe! I have never been a successful pumper, BUT there are some benefits to pumping and having a baby in the NICU.
First of all, I am COMPLETELY sold on the belief that "the more expensive the pump, the better the experience". I don't know if it's the situation or the fact that we are able to use hospital grade pumps, but I'm actually getting milk out. This doesn't change the fact that I really don't care for it, often times I feel like I am plugged into a machine. I hate that. I like the natural flow and bonding of breastfeeding, unfortunately, the circumstances don't leave me much choice right now. And don't even get me started on raw nipples. Anyway, I felt extremely confident in the pumping department the first week and I was all...'I got this!' Now it's becoming stressful. I feel like if I am not on that machine every three hours as suggested, I am awful. Okay people, my newborn is in the hospital, I can't wake myself in the middle of the night to give milk to a machine! So despite the counsel from lactation, I am sleeping. I go to bed really late, and pump until I'm dry, then I get up early and pump until I am dry. It's like lather. rinse. repeat. That's what pumping reminds me of...seriously. Plus, these words have most definitely come out of my mouth lately, "Please stop crying--your making milk leak from my boobies, honey."--I'm sure my daughter will need therapy for years. (Please don't judge--this is a trying and discouraging time--I'm under lots of stress!!)
Today however, gave me back a little confidence. The lactation specialists in the NICU test milk for calories. Didn't know that? You do now. Also, you breastfeeding moms may not know this next part either, cause I never did and I've nursed every single one of them. You have two kinds of milk, yep two. Foremilk and Hindmilk. Your foremilk should have around 22 calories in it, it is also the first milk that is thinner when you are breastfeeding or pumping. Then your hindmilk comes in next, the creamy stuff, and it should have around 36 calories, I believe. (Disclaimer--I could be off on the numbers just a hair, I get told so many things in the NICU, sometimes it's hard to remember!) Okay, so back to my story. I just had both my foremilk and hindmilk tested. Well apparently I have the creamiest milk in the NICU, because not only did it separate as she spun it in the tester thingy, but I scored 32 on my foremilk and 42 on my hindmilk. My lactation specialist told me I deserve a prize--I didn't get anything though. And my husband, he told me "Your like the prime cow on the dairy farm, dear."--jerk!
...can I get a uhuhuh, I make milk...jingle going on here...
(yes, that's my liquid gold--all of it! Except what is in the NICU)
Alright in all seriousness though, what's worked for you? I still feel like a "lactating-plugged into a machine-crazy mother thing" going on. Any tips or advice? Because as much as I hate it, I know this is best for him and I need to keep going.
I love reading your blog! It brings up so many memories though!! I wish I had some miracle advice to give you but I agree totally- this was THE worst! My milk never came in until almost right before they came home so it was so discouraging pumping and pumping for that liquid gold to come out lol... I later learned it is a syndrome moms of preemies get�� I hated pumping and still do (if I have to that is and I haven't pumped with Logan or Lainey)- I don't ever get more than 4 oz. either. That's awesome you produce cream too- I'm convinced I produce skim since my babies are always so little hahahaha!! It does help to have a medical grade pump though. And don't feel bad for getting sleep, it's what you need!! Luv ya, take care and good luck-- your hard work sitting pumping is paying off!!!!��
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! It's so nice to know I am not alone in this!! How long were the twins in the NICU? I've been trying to remember and I just can't think straight--like that's any surprise! lol! :)
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