A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 33
Special Care Nursery (SCN)
Ideas for Maintaining Your Milk Supply
• Start an expressing schedule that matches your baby’s feeding schedule.
Express every 2 to 3 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours during
the night – ideally 8 -10 times in 24 hours
• Express for about 10 to 15 minutes or until you have completely emptied
both breasts. Continue to express another two minutes once your milk
flow has stopped.
• Eat three healthy meals a day and fruit for snacks
• Always carry a bottle of water with you, especially in hospital as the
heating is increased to help baby maintain a healthy temperature
• If your supply is low, consider renting a hospital grade pump
• Remember stress, blood loss and lack of sleep can inhibit milk supply.
Be patient. Self-care is important when establishing breastfeeding
• Speak to the hospitals lactation consultant or your GP who may be able to
recommend treatment to improve your supply if you are concerned
For information and to find fact sheets on how to feed your baby go to:
www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/fact-sheets
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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