"Sometimes I felt restricted because I had to be where there was a pump when it came time to pump. Mostly it was just part of my daily life and I never really thought much about it" (Kelly, mother of )

"I had a love-hate relationship with pumping. On the one hand , it was uncomfortable, it took me away from my son, and it was frustrating to spend 20 minutes at the "double-barreled" machine and have nothing to show. On the other hand, this was the ONE and ONLY positive thing I could do for my son during the days that in which the nurses said I couldn't or shouldn't hold him" (Dee, mother of 32 weeker)

5. Take care of yourself as much as possible. REST, FLUIDS, and FOOD were very important. Having a child in the NICU is extremely stressful, and because the NICUs are kept warm, it is easy to become dehydrated. You will need extra fluids to replace what is being lost -- it's a good idea to drink at least one glass of water each time you pump. It is very difficult to balance trying to visit, eat, care for other children, and get enough rest. You milk production will likely be very small at first (especially if this is your first baby) but all milk collected is important, so try to not be discouraged.

"I found that being in close proximity to the baby, and drinking really cold beverages increased the letdown and amount expressed. I also found leaning over near the end of the session emptied the breast more completely, and prevented pockets of unexpressed milk at the edges of the pumps collection funnels from 'hanging' around and becoming inflamed and painful. This I learned AFTER my first bout with mastitis. (Sheila, mother of 33 and 35 weekers)

"Try the Oxytocin nasal spray if you are having trouble pumping" (Inkan, mother of 30 weeker)

6. Storage and Thawing of Milk (mostly from Linda, mother of 34 weeker). Containers used for collection or storage of breastmilk should be clean and sterile (boil pump bottles). Some hospitals supply small bottles of sterile water (discard water) which can be used to store breastmilk. Small plastic bags or disposable bottle liners (double bag) or ice cube trays can be used to freeze milk. Allow room for expansion. You need to date each collection, as the oldest milk will be used first. It is safest to refrigerate or freeze milk promptly after pumping. Fresh milk can be refrigerated and transported on ice to the NICU. If you want to add fresh milk to frozen milk, you must refrigerate it first and then layer it on top of the frozen milk.

Storage times: Fresh milk: room temp (6-10 hrs), refrigerator (72 hrs), home freezer (6 months), -20 degree or "deep" freezer (12 months).

To defrost, put in fridge the night before, or thaw under warm running water. Do not use HOT water, as this can destroy some of the milk's benefits. Breast milk also separates, so gently swirl to remix. Do not microwave either.