question

[genamarie]

First time mom, two days away from being 31 weeks :) I'm curious to know if there is any possible way that you could know before delivering baby if you will have issues breastfeeding or not? Is there a way to tell if I will be unable to before attempting or if I won't produce? High risk pregnancy, doctors believe I'll be delivering most likely 32-36 weeks along is why I'm asking and I'm curious as I didn't intend to breastfeed until learning he may be premature and they recommend especially doing it to help him.

[NicoleW09]

I got sick post partum with my daughter and my milk supply vanished due to dehydration. My son was a preemie and needed the nicu for a week. I pumped every two hours and hardly got anything. Maybe an ounce every time. I took him home and kept him on the breast. Pumps don't adequately tell you how much you're producing or remove milk as efficiently as your baby. He's six months old now and still exclusively breastfed. So it can be done! It just takes dedication. My preemie had a collapsed lung and was in respiratory distress. He's not been sick the first time. We've had colds and stomach viruses pass through our house and he hasn't caught anything.

[genamarie]

Thanks I will :) you do the same, I'm always here to talk. And almost always awake unable to sleep also haha!

[shastas84]

Thanx hon :) keep me updated and feel free to message me

[genamarie]

Thanks so much! This is why I'm really glad I found this place, compassionate people like yourself with advice and experience!

[shastas84]

Just remember that those are standards. There are always deviation and exception. Plus, you are doing everything and then some. You might be surprised how far you can go. Keep the positive thoughts.

[genamarie]

I honestly don't remember them telling me of a lactation consultant here :/ they wheeled me all over the NICU, and told me so much, and the whole time I was just trying to fight back tears with all the babies I saw in there, and thinking of my little guy needed the same treatment, such a scary sight. Especially with them telling you of the "standard" health concerns of a preemie of the gestational age mine is thought to be at birth. But I will definitely ask once my nurse makes her rounds again. She's been here quite a while, so I'm sure she's got answers for me :)

[shastas84]

Ur welcome :) I wouldn't be surprised if they say to wait until closer to your dates though. It can trigger contractions. ( I have used it to help kick off labor.) But, if you make it closer to the date, I would think it would be OK with the dr. ;) does the hospital have a lactation consultant? They can be an awesome ally, a wealth of knowledge, & sometimes they can hook you up with a pump.

[genamarie]

Oh wow, They never even mentioned trying to pump ahead of time! How odd. I'll definitely ask my nurse to see if she knows about that! Thanks!

[maybay]

^^ that's what I had to do for my twins born at 32 weeks. The gave me a pump and told me to do it every two hours.

[shastas84]

Ur welcome :) you can try talking to the lactation consultant there. I have heard of high risk moms pumping (after they received the OK because it can cause contractions!) Before the baby came so there was a supply on hand.

[genamarie]

Darn. I was hoping there would be signs, I'm dying to know if I'll be capable of feeding him myself, or if they'll require and end up using donor's milk as they said :/ thanks shastas84!

[shastas84]

There is unfortunately no 100% way to tell. And don't freak out if nothing comes out as soon as birth. Colostrum is a precursor to milk and is awesome for baby. It can be a bit freaky b/c it is only a little that comes in. It takes a little time for milk to really come in.