Comments on: Breastfeeding a Preemie in the NICU

By: Jordan N.

Jordan N. — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 20:19:02 +0000

In reply to Chrissy. What a NICU breastfeeding journey! We all have to do what works for us, mama. I totally get how pumping can take over your life in a different, beautiful way. To top it off, you had great support even at work to do what any mama would when pumping for their preemies. Happy to know it went great with you and your son. Chrissy, thank you for sharing your NICU story.

By: Chrissy

Chrissy — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:54:04 +0000

I breastfed and pumped in the NICU for three weeks, too. I had become an over-producer, so I had to buy a chest freezer to store all the milk bags when the kitchen freezer was full. Since I had to fortify my milk for my preemie, I became an exclusive pumper, and I liked this journey. Only sometimes, I was so tired that I forgot to attach the bottles and pumped away until my clothes were wet! I worked full time as a college professor and pumped every three hours in between classes and at conferences. They always had a room for me where I could do it in quiet and peace. After exactly one year, I quit pumping and feeding every three hours. My son was on the normal growth curve then and had transitioned to Holle goat milk and solid food. I had breast milk jewelry done to remember our journey.

By: Jordan N.

Jordan N. — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:57:34 +0000

In reply to Charina Rasing. Amazing mama! Yes, the struggle was bittersweet. But seeing how your boy thrives was all worth it. NICU babies are fierce. Charina, thank you for sharing your story.

By: Charina Rasing

Charina Rasing — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:42:05 +0000

I breastfed my 34-week preemie baby in the NICU. It was so hard but I am glad I didn’t give-up. Looking back at those sleepless moments, tired days and moments are totally worth it. At 18 months now, he’s a healthy and smart boy.

By: Jordan N.

Jordan N. — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:28:58 +0000

In reply to Natasha. Thank you, Natasha. My preemie was a fighter, and I couldn't be more proud of how far we've come. Breastfeeding a preemie was one of the hardest experiences in my life, and I'm glad we both made it. Thank you.

By: Jordan N.

Jordan N. — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:13:16 +0000

In reply to Camilla. Thank you, Camilla. I, too, shared that guilt when I had my firstborn. It does make you think you aren't doing enough, and as a mom, it's heavy in your heart that you feel you failed. Thank you for sharing your breastfeeding experience here.

By: Natasha

Natasha — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 18:43:23 +0000

Congratulations on your breastfeeding journey. Wow there is so much more to breastfeeding when you have a preemie. Well done you and thank you for sharing

By: Camilla

Camilla — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 17:08:14 +0000

Such great advice for expecting mamas or for those who have just given birth to a preemie. My son was born on time however I struggled with breastfeeding and gave up after 2/3 weeks. I wish I came across an article like this that gave lots of tips. At the time I felt like a failure as a mother for not being able to breast feed my baby properly! Keep up the great work mama x