Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

Storing Your Breast Milk for Your Baby in the SCN

Fresh Pumped Milk

Refrigerate within 1 hour of pumping.

Fresh Pumped Milk Refrigerated

Refrigerate for 96 hours then freeze.

BREAST PUMP FOR HOME There are many types and brands of breast pumps. It is important to choose the correct breast pump from the start since it can have a substantial impact on your milk supply. An automatic double electric breast pump is recommended for pumping when you are separated from your baby. This type of pump is most effective in stimulating release of the milk producing hormone, prolactin, which results in the greatest amount of milk.

Call your insurance company or Medicaid provider to see if they can assist with getting a pump. The hospital also has pumps available for rental. Your lactation consultant can assist you with selecting a pump and answering any questions you may have.

TRANSPORTING YOUR PUMPED MILK TO THE HOSPITAL • It is important to always transport your breast milk in an insulated cooler container with frozen coolant packs. • Always keep your pumped milk cold or frozen. • Drop off all your labeled expressed breast milk bottles at the Special Care Nursery reception desk.

Some considerations:

• Can the pump parts be sanitized daily? • Are the collection bottles, given by the SCN compatible with the pump? • Is it recommended for long term exclusive pumping?

Pumping after discharge in the SCN: Please remember to take ALL the pump parts you use with the hospital pump with you when you go home, including the caps and tubing. If you leave these pieces behind, you will have to purchase replacement parts. Breast pumps are available in the SCN for you to use so be sure to bring your pump parts with you. Microwaves are also available for sanitizing your pump parts.

Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries

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