Premies: Pumping - La Leche League International

If your baby is not strong enough to feed at the breast, you can still give them your milk.  Begin to pump as soon after birth as you are able. Frequent pumping, every two to three hours, will mimic the frequency of a newborn’s feeding pattern, and bring in a good milk supply.

It will help if you can use a full-size, hospital-grade pump, with a double-pump kit; many NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) have these pumps available for use. Ask at your hospital.

Pumping both breasts at once will save you time. Save your colostrum, the first milk. This is the perfect first feed for your baby to have.