Exclusively Pumping for a NICU Baby

I 100% dropped the ball on researching what exclusively pumping would look like for a NICU Baby. Here are my top suggestions and lessons I learned the hard way.

1. The NICU may require you to store your milk in bottles, not bags. Ask what the expectation is, and if this is the case ask for storage bottles to take home with you.
   

2. If you are producing more milk than your baby is taking in 24 hours, freeze it in small amounts, not full bottles or bags. You run the risk of it being wasted.
   

3. Label your bags with the date and the amount you put into the bag (use the measurement on the bottles, not the bags- bags are inaccurate).
   

4. You will be HUNGRY, all the time! Have a stash of nutrient-dense snacks on hand all the time!
   

5. You will be THIRSTY, all the time! Invest in a LARGE leakproof water bottle with a straw and keep it filled at all times!
   

6. You will be EXHAUSTED. Not only do you have to pump every 3 hours, but it takes a ton of energy for your body to create milk in the first place.
   

7. Take postnatal vitamins! Creating breastmilk leaches your body of minerals, so you want to make sure you are staying on top of them!
   

8. Buy pumping/nursing combo bras, not just nursing bras, they are not made equal
   

9. Purchase at least 3 sets of reusable breast pads or several boxes of disposable ones
   

10. Nipple Cream is your friend.
    

11. Invest in at least two sets of pump parts, if not three.
    

12. Get a sterilizer that has a drying function!
    

13. Have a way to store your freshly pumped milk when you are out and about.
    

14. Have a place to store your frozen breastmilk at home (think dedicated freezer, not just freezer space- especially if you are an overproducer)
    

15. Invest in a bag that is specifically for all of your pumping equipment.
    

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