Family Support

When your baby is unable to begin breastfeeding shortly after birth, it is important to establish and maintain a good milk supply.

Some important things you can do are:

Start pumping early and often - 8 or more times each 24 hours, or about every 2 to 3 hours.
(Don't be concerned if only drops of colostrum are expressed, this will increase at about 3 to 5 days after delivery)
Before your milk "comes in" pump for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. Once your milk is in, you should pump until the milk has stopped dripping (anywhere between 15-30 minutes).
Rent a hospital grade pump to use at home. MedEquip has electric pumps available for $53.00 per month, and they can often deliver a pump to the hospital the same day it is ordered. They can be reached Monday through Friday 8:30a.m - 4:30p.m.
at 734-971-0975 (local) or 1- 800-530-0714 (out of area)

The pumps they have are compatible with the pump kit you received from this hospital. Please be sure to tell them that you have a baby in Holden or the pediatric ICU. If there are no pumps available there are other options in the community. Please ask your nurse for help in obtaining one.
If your baby is very sick when admitted do not be surprised if your milk supply is slow to get started. Fear and anxiety can have a negative impact on milk production. Continue frequent pumping so that as your baby improves, so will your supply.
We have provided a chart on back for your convenience in keeping track of your pumping schedule. If this works for you feel free to make copies.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about providing milk for your baby or to help you when your baby is ready to be introduced to breastfeeding.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH SYSTEM
ROOM 8-733 - 1540 EAST HOSPITAL DRIVE - ANN ARBOR, MI 48109-4258
TELEPHONE: (734) 232-7885 - FAX: (734) 763-1570