You can do it! Advocate for yourself and your baby, easier said than done. If you want to pump keep pumping. If you don’t want to then don’t. Nicu breastfeeding support was practically nonexistent for me. The hospitals lactation lady even told me she wished they could dedicate a specialized lactation expert for nicu moms. It gets so much better especially when you can bring them home.

Personally, I had to do a mix of breast milk and formula at first. Having a nicu baby is so stressful but I found ways to distract myself such as watching tv or playing games on my phone as I pumped. I pumped for 1 year and around 3-4 months my baby was able to exclusively breastfeed at home. I could have stopped pumping around that time but I didn’t. Power pump when you can and if you’re unable to have your baby on your chest often I recommend using some type of heat pad or warmer to keep on your chest before pumping. If possible, having your baby sleep on your chest frequently helps and being close to them. I have other tips if you want but it sounds like you’ve probably already heard plenty.

While in the Nicu I had a charge nurse tell me this isn’t working and that I needed to find another solution. She meant formula. It was discouraging but I kept pumping and supplemental feeding.