https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:23:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884879 Fri, 17 May 2019 14:08:32 +0000 Pumuckl 2884879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yay, so glad to hear! Happy settling in at home :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884868 Fri, 17 May 2019 12:28:47 +0000 jennlin821 2884868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: Woohoo!!<br /> and now its going to be the easiest and hardest part of your life. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884866 Fri, 17 May 2019 11:41:34 +0000 pachamama 2884866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: So glad you're going home! Hi baby girl!!! Just precious </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884864 Fri, 17 May 2019 11:17:07 +0000 lilyofthewest 2884864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884862 Fri, 17 May 2019 11:13:19 +0000 yellowbeach 2884862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: hurray!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884859 Fri, 17 May 2019 10:48:47 +0000 magnolia 2884859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happy update: we are discharged! </p> [attach=4966/19/prnnxb.450x600.8DC48A28-9004-4F6E-A6B2-FA7DBC953131.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884754 Thu, 16 May 2019 10:17:00 +0000 psw27 2884754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am so sorry about the anxiety and uncertainty. That is certainly, like @yellowbeach said, one of the hardest parts. My son kept having breathing spells that would reset his stay for another 72 hours. Every time I thought we were close to going home, it would reset. I would also cry every night as I drove home because leaving the baby felt extremely unnatural. </p> <p>I think I started driving around a week postpartum. I'm really not sure though because the whole thing was a blur of hormones and recovery and survival. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884743 Thu, 16 May 2019 08:59:01 +0000 yellowbeach 2884743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a fellow NICU mama, just wanted to pop in and say this is hard, so hard, but you can do this. We were 32w3d with a 34 day stay and it was Baby#1, so I knew nothing about boobs, pumping, breastfeeding, any of it. </p> <p>I agree completely with pumping near here or with her in your lap - DD was also under the bili light some, but when we also utilized a "bili blanket" that allowed her to come out and still get light while getting some skin to skin and me getting better let down.</p> <p>I found the hospital-grade Medela Symphony I was using in the NICU was much better for getting everything out of me that the smaller Medela Freestyle I'd actually purchased. I ended up abandoning the Freestyle and renting a symphony at home. It also made pumping at work easier sine everything was the same.</p> <p>Definitely need the hands-free pumping bra. I had the Medela one... while about the ugliest thing around, I never felt like it was slipping or going to fall off.</p> <p>Re: being in the NICU in general, a few thoughts/bits of advice:<br /> - The uncertainty of the length of stay is by far one of the most stressful things. You are burning up maternity leave just wondering when your sweet baby can come home and normal life start. My only advice for this, take one day at a time. It will happen eventually. What you absolutely don't want is a NICU bounce back bc many hospitals then send your kiddo to the PICU since they've been exposed to the outside world (read: germs).<br /> - Try to be present for rounds if at all possible. This is the time to be present, learn the plan for the day and ask questions. If you aren't medical and feeling like you don't understand everything they are saying, ask if they can do "family-centered rounds," where they do mostly the same thing just in lay speak.</p> <p>Re: driving - I was on Magnesium for severe pre-E and HELLP, and it sounds like maybe you were too. I had scotoma (visual flashes) and what I could only describe as "funhouse vision" for the first 48 hrs after delivery. Because of this, I think I waited until Day 3 or 4 to drive. I had DH drive me otherwise or ubered. Fortunately I only live 2 miles from our hospital, but it sounds like you are much further out.</p> <p>Re: you elevated BPs, I imagine they have you on labetalol now... just make sure to keep checking your BPs... if you had normal blood pressure prepregnancy, you'll probably return to that and could overshoot with the meds. I only mention it since you said you felt uncomfortable driving. Low BP or severely elevated BP can both cause safety issues in driving.</p> <p>Lastly, I'm here to talk if you need anyone to talk to. Those NICU days are long and sometimes boring. Just keep swimming. &lt;3 </p> [attach=7491/19/prlo6d.600x597.Screen-Shot-2019-05-16-at-9.47.32-AM.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884726 Thu, 16 May 2019 06:14:04 +0000 Pumuckl 2884726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh hugs, I hated the uncerntainty too and having the baby under the lights sucked until they at least made her a little more comfortable and she stopped squirming all over the warming bed. I had a spontaneous bith and was driving by myself after a good week or so in the mornings and went home in the afternoon to be with my older two when they came home from daycare. Then I went back to the babies after the other two were in bed for their evening feed. That's when DH usually drove me because I was just shaking too much because the whole situation was just taking a toll on me. The first week they had kept me in the hospital too so that I didn't have to go back and forth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884710 Wed, 15 May 2019 21:26:27 +0000 magnolia 2884710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ms. RV: I can but I would have to sleep in a recliner. I also have a four year old so I feel so torn about not getting to put him to bed or wake up with him in the morning</p> <p>Hopefully I’ll be ready to drive in a few days. I also live in nyc where traffic and parking are nightmares </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884702 Wed, 15 May 2019 20:33:53 +0000 Ms. RV 2884702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: I think I started driving day 7 postpartum. Driving the hour to the hospital was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, walkig from the car was the issue. Are you not allowed to spend the night in the NICU? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884692 Wed, 15 May 2019 19:06:24 +0000 magnolia 2884692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like this hospital is f-ing with my mind.</p> <p>They made it sound like her bilirubin levels were so good and she would be ready to go home tmw</p> <p>Now at the last blood draw of the night they had to put her under the lights again and it’s all up in the air. It sucks enough to leave her there and then adding the uncertainty of tomorrow’s plan makes me feels like I’m going to have a panic attack. It’s just not natural to leave your baby like this</p> <p>Also wondering when others starting driving postpartum. I’m taking $50 cab rides back and forth everyday. I don’t feel mentally or physically ready to drive yet </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884612 Wed, 15 May 2019 12:07:07 +0000 psw27 2884612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: Glad things are going well! Fingers crossed she will be home soon. Watch that blood pressure and try to get some rest when you can. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884571 Wed, 15 May 2019 07:25:34 +0000 magnolia 2884571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all</p> <p>I got to breastfeed and hold her all day yesterday </p> <p>She’s off cpap and doing well. Waiting for jaundice to clear up and she’ll be home hopefully tomorrow. I realize how easy we have it compared to parents there who have been there for weeks or months.... all your mama strength is amazing </p> <p>It’s been a few days of highs and lows. I can’t really sleep at all so I’m running on empty. My blood pressure is terrrrrrible. But my milk is in and supply seems fine. She’s latching great despite a toungue tie and being very very sleepy still </p> <p>Also my 4 year old is really sick with a bad cold and fever. So it’s silver lining she could not come home yet. </p> <p>Thank you all for the tips and support! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884561 Wed, 15 May 2019 03:22:35 +0000 Pumuckl 2884561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: Hey lady, how are you doing? Is LO doing better? I hope you found some answers already. Let us know if there are any other questions. </p> <p>By the way: I acutally found that not pumping between midnight and 6/7am was really good for me and my supply. I got the rest my body needed and my supply was always great even though I didn't pump for those 6-7 hours in the early days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884558 Wed, 15 May 2019 00:53:55 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2884558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the 8x a day is most only. Extra pump parts were super helpful. I kept a set by my bed a home and separate set at the hospital. I also took up cross-stitching ( a birth announcement...) gave me something to do. Massaging the breast area is also super helpful during pumping. My son was in the nicu for nearly 5 months and I pumped for 11! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884451 Tue, 14 May 2019 11:58:33 +0000 Ms. RV 2884451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS was only in the NICU for four days, but was in other parts of the hospital for his first 8 weeks.</p> <p>I could not pump unless I had natural light. I don't know why it made a difference, but it did. Being near DS also made it worse sometimes. He smelled the milk and would cry. That made my supply drop because it stressed me out. He was also NPO so I couldn't feed him while I was pumping.</p> <p>I also learned to pump in front of anyone. During rounds, when the cleaning people came in, I may have even been pumping when he was baptized in his hospital bed. I just tuned out the pumping. When I didn't think about it, I had a better supply.</p> <p>See if they offer meals to pumping moms. Our hospital delivered food to the room for free for pumping moms.</p> <p>Get a power inverter for your car so you can pump while you drive.<br /> <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-120W-Slim-Inverter/109463375" rel="nofollow">http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-120W-Slim-Inverter/109463375</a></p> <p>Instead of a nursing cover, I often wrapped myself in a cozy blanket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884429 Tue, 14 May 2019 11:03:44 +0000 lilyofthewest 2884429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The stuff that was crucial for me was:<br /> • at least 4 sets of pump parts. It was essential for me to be able to do my immediately before bed and overnight pumps without having to do dishes in between. I set up my pump parts for the overnight pumps so it was all assembled right next to the bed such that I didn’t have to do anything but hook up and pump.<br /> • Handsfree pumping gear was extremely helpful. I used one of those strapless bandeau style things for my first kid, but this time around I really liked tank tops that had flange holders built in or using nursing tanks/bras with this: Hands-Free Nursing Bra Accessory, Strapless Pumping Bra Attachment by Momcozy - Pairs w/Clip and Pump Bras for Breast Pump of Medela, Lansinoh, Ameda, Spetra, Evenflo (Black, Medium) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078F15SWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3zU2CbH2XBSW1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078F15SWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3zU2CbH2XBSW1</a> If you’re on the edge between sizes, size down. A snug fit works better. I didn’t have to change or undress at all to use it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884425 Tue, 14 May 2019 10:54:17 +0000 jhd 2884425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@magnolia: Thinking of you and your sweet baby. I hope your NICU stay is short and things go as smoothly as possible.</p> <p>Lots of great advice above. Just wanted to add that our hospital provided meals for pumping moms. When LO1 was there it was vouchers for the cafeteria and with LO2 it was a tray brought up to the NICU. I had to go outside to the waiting room to eat, but that really helped my recovery to not have to think about what to eat. Ask your nurse if there’s anything like that at your hospital.</p> <p>Are you close to home?</p> <p>Child life was a great resource when I needed help talking my older child through what was going on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884415 Tue, 14 May 2019 10:31:57 +0000 jennlin821 2884415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No NICU help, just supply suggestions:</p> <p>1) Get a water bottle with a straw (I use a camelback) - for some reason I drink 3x as much because its one handed.</p> <p>2) Oatmeal really helped with my supply, and I found the easiest way was through a smoothie. (Milk, Strawberry, Banana, oatmeal, blend) Again, its easy, filling and one-handed. </p> <p>3) For pumping, it really helped me to hear by DD, so I would watch videos of her crying/cooing to help with my let down. </p> <p>I hope that everything is going as well as it can for you right now. Remember that we are your community and are there for you. Even if you can't write anything just ask for some love and we will send it. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884407 Tue, 14 May 2019 09:53:22 +0000 psw27 2884407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First of all, hugs and support regarding the NICU stay. I know it sucks. If you need anything feel free to wall me. I'm also a mentor through a program for NICU moms called Hand to Hold. They match you up with a NICU mom so you have someone to talk to for support. </p> <p>Pumping - I used the hospital pump when I was at the hospital (which was most of the time) and my Medela PISA at home. I did go home to sleep from 11-6 but I woke myself up at 3 to pump to help build my supply.</p> <p>Do you have a handsfree pumping bra? That was 1000% needed and let me read or do other things while pumping.</p> <p>Try to drink a ton of water and eat enough. I pumped in the hospital during my days there. Usually I would be with baby during his awake times and then go pump right after, which for my LO was every 2-3 hours they were waking him for testing and stuff. Some people look at pictures of their baby while they pump to help with supply. I found that the key for me was staying hydrated and as calm as I could. </p> <p>Let me know what we can do to support you or if you have more questions. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884405 Tue, 14 May 2019 09:41:08 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2884405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to send you lots of love. Mine was a NICU baby as well - 10 days - and I pumped for as long as I could but to be honest, I gave up after 6 weeks and went full time formula. My biggest advice would be to take care of yourself - pumping nonstop really exhausted me and the added lack of sleep did a number of my mental health for a while. I hope everything works out as you want it to, but just wanted to tell you that it's OK if it doesn't and taking care of yourself is key. My daughter is about to turn 6 and is a happy healthy perfect kid, so everything will work out ok. Lots of love to you and your little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884374 Tue, 14 May 2019 07:24:06 +0000 MamaBear87 2884374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh no Magnolia! No advice but just wanted to send love and support! I hope baby is home with you soon </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884370 Tue, 14 May 2019 07:16:42 +0000 lilyofthewest 2884370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pumped for a 7 week NICU stay this winter. The key for me was making it was easy as possible to actually pump 8-9x/day. Even the smallest increase in “work” or inconvenience made my pump times start to slide further apart. I’m heading to work shortly, but I’ll come back to this thread with aa bunch of product and life hack tips that got me through. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884360 Tue, 14 May 2019 06:34:03 +0000 Pumuckl 2884360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So not sure how early your baby was born but I found that actually pumping right next to my twins in the NICU to really help me with supply. Also I found the nurses to be 100% supportive of nursing and pumping. The hospital had pumps available though I usually brought my own flanges (because the standard size don't fit me). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nicu-moms-and-pumpingsupply#post-2884353 Tue, 14 May 2019 06:01:07 +0000 magnolia 2884353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t have energy to get into detail but my newborn is in the NICU and I am exclusively pumping for now</p> <p>If anyone has experience please let me know suggestions on effective pumping at the hospital and at home, to promote my supply. My milk hasn’t come in yet but I am producing good amounts of colostrum </p> <p>Also any advice on dealing with nicu staff and this stress....</p> <p>Thanks </p>