newborn expressing advice

[makeminea6x]

My friend gave birth at 7.45 yesterday to a ft baby. She had group b strep in pregnancy so was planned for the baby to stay in for antibiotics anyway. Her DS developed some breathing difficulties so is now in NICU on fluids. He is too tired to feed at the moment.

She has fed him before he got poorly but now isn't sure when to start expressing/ how often/ how long?

Any advice much appreciated. If it matters this is her second baby, first was also bf and she expressed well for him.

[makeminea6x]

Thank you I will pass this on

[CelticPromise]

Oh bless hope your friend's baby is well soon. I am a bf peer supporter in NICU.

Hand expressing should be started asap and she should ask to be shown how to do it properly. Google Marmet technique or there is a good video on Best Beginnings website- she may have been given DVD when her baby was admitted. Express 8-12 times in 24 hours to mimic newborn bf and collect colostrum in syringes. Visit baby and hold skin to skin as much as poss- no reason why this can't happen even if baby is on breathing support. Pumping can start when milk comes in but hopefully they might be reunited by then.

Congratulations to your friend.