It is so amazing. One of my major concerns about having preemies was their ability to breastfeed. Amazingly, it is the one thing they had no problems with. *knock on wood*
14 hours after birth I started pumping with a hospital grade breast pump. I got very little at first, but I wanted to condition my body to be prepared to feed 2 newborns. I pumped every 2 hours consistentantly It was a pretty easy schedule to keep up in the hospital, but once I got home and was traveling back and forth it became more difficult. I occasionally pumped there, but also used the opportunity to stretch my pumping session when necessary to 3 hours.
The day I was discharge, 5 days after birth, my milk came in. I continued with the every 2 hours, with the occasional 3 hour stretch. I was startled to pump 12 oz in one sitting, so I started measuring to figure out how much I pumped in a 24 hour period. 23 days after birth I pumped around 55 -60 oz a day. That's ALOT!. I was very concerned about the amount because I read that you needed to pump 24 - 32 ounces for a singleton. I thought there is no way I can do that. I was thrilled to learn I was doing that x2!
So, since my babies have been able to feed they have received my breastmilk, whether in a bottle or by breast.
Now, for the latching onto the breast. I was actually very concerned about the boys receiving a bottle or pacifier. Everything I read said those are big no-nos if you want to have a successful breastfeeding relationship. The NICU was not willing to let them feed solely on the breast. I was initially very upset and then I realized I would do what it takes to get them out of the NICU and would work on feeding at the breast once they got home.
Little did I know how few problems we would encounter. As for the actual "latch on" I wish I had suggestions. I used what I learned as a previous breastfeeding momma and doula training to position and offer the breast properly. That was really key for the boys.
Then I wanted to make it as easy as possible. I initially pumped through a let down and then offered the breast. After the appeared to get the hang of that I would do a little hand expression because they would initially get frustrated that they were working so hard and not getting anything so the expression allowed a little instant gratification. Now, occasionally they get frustrated when I don't but they latch on perfectly.
I did have one problem that could have been a major one. I had a clogged duct that quickly turned into mastitis. I had a fever, the chills, the whole nine yards. It came on suddenly. I took a hot shower and massaged the affected breast. I continued to pump, drink water, rest, and put warm compresses on the breast. After 10 hours my fever went down dramatically so I decided to not go to the doctor and continue to rest, by 20 hours I was back to normal. The problem was I tried to stretch my pumping out to 4 hours. Not such a good idea. I immediately returned back to the 2-3 hour routine.
There is lots of great info on the web about exclusively pumping. Here is a link to the site I found most helpful http://www.ameda.com/breastpumping/moms/. I'll also post additional links on the side of the blog that I use regularly.
Finally, I am so proud of my freezer full of milk that I had to share. Thank goodness we don't freeze a lot of food.