Expert: ruth kraft - 9/27/2010

Question
Hi I just had a baby girl on Sept 20 via C-Section and I have been using a Manual Pump since I've come home and it is alot of work I will admit well I am getting a Electric pump today . My question is I was wondering how to go about asking the Dr or nurse when I could try to breast feed cause my daughter will not have anything to do with her feedings she just throws it back up but when I bring in my milk she will keep it down it's beyond me but I have been seeking help & advice on this and I plan on continuing breast pumping and then hopefully soon breast feeding .

Answer
I need a little more information. Can you tell me how premature the baby is? I agree an electric pump is needed for sure. Pump every 2 hours at least.  If your baby is breathing room air and stable, you can try to nurse. If she is too tiny and has no suck reflex she cannot nurse yet. As soon as she has a suck reflex AND is stable, you should be able to nurse her.  Keep pumping your milk. it is MUCH better for her that is why she is not throwing it up.  Just keep pumping every 2 hours until she can nurse and you can wean her off the bottle :)

GOod luck! I had a preemie so I remember how tiring  but SO worth it to have her gain weight from your milk :)

Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com