Expressions
thoughts and advice on breastfeeding...increasing your supply

In the United States there used to be a prescription available for an Oxytocin nasal spray that assists with let down but this product was removed from the market in early 1995. In other countries it may still be available.

Be very careful about what a doctor or a lactation specialist prescribes or suggests for stimulating breastmilk production. There are times when the medication may not be the best thing for you or for the baby. For example, The Oxytocin nasal spray is counter-indicated in women who suffered from toxemia since it works as an anti-diuretic and this is the last thing needed after a blood pressure problem, especially if your kidneys were badly effected.

5. Pumping techniques
Many PreemieL moms found that warm compresses and breast massage prior to pumping helped them to relax, and that this in turn resulted in a higher yield of milk. Stopping several times during pumping to reposition the pump cones also seemed to have an effect. Alternating hand expression with machine pumping during a session may also provide a greater yield.

6. Supplemental Nursing System [SNS] (only if you are actually Nursing)
A supplemental nursing system MAY help increase your supply because it allows your breasts to be stimulated while the baby is fed either expressed milk or formula. There are two widely available models the Lact_aid Nursing Trainer and the Medela Supplemental Nursing System. A SNS consists of a bag of bottle that hangs around your neck and is filled with formula or expressed milk. Thin tubes taped to your breasts with surgical tape deliver milk to the infant as he sucks.

Sometimes, even with the best of intentions and the best of efforts, supply just does not increase. It happens more frequently than the books and the lactation specialists would have you believe, and it is NOT an indication of failure. Milk supply is not a simple equation, especially with a premature baby. The stress of having a premature baby, your own physical condition as a result of the birth all come into play as well as how quickly you are able to actually nurse, and how soon after the birth you are given access to a pump. Keep in mind that most of the literature about pumping is geared toward the mother of the full term infant who ALREADY has her supply established. While it is possible to build a supply through exclusive pumping, it is very difficult, and most women will experience a decrease in their after about 6 weeks of exclusive pumping. Sometimes this can be overcome, and sometimes it cannot. We all can only do as best we can…