Begin pumping as soon as possible after delivery - ideally within the first 4-6 hours, in order to stimulate the production of breastmilk.
- Use a hospital grade (rental) breast pump
- Pump 8-12 times in 24 hours, for 15-20 minutes
Breastmilk storage guidelines (while the baby is hospitalised)
- Freshly expressed breastmilk can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours.
- Frozen breastmilk can be stored in the center or back of the freezer for several months.
- Once breastmilk is thawed, it must be used within 24 hours.
- Never re-freeze thawed milk.
Transporting breastmilk:
- Breastmilk should be transported in a cooler.
- If breastmilk is frozen, it should remain frozen during transport.
Begin breastfeeding when your baby is tolerating feedings.
- Attempt to breastfeed every 3 hours or when baby displays feeding cues
- Keep latch-on attempts to 10 minutes.
- If your infant does latch well and consistently sucks/swallows, allow baby to continue the feeding.
Once your baby is home:
- Keep a record of feedings and supplements.
- Your baby should be feeding at least 8 or more times in 24 hours.
- You may need to continue giving supplements for a time after baby is home.
- Keep a record of wet and dirty diapers.
- Baby should have at least 1 bowel movement every 24 hours.
- Baby should have at least 6 wet diapers every 24 hours.