WWYD - in hospital but have 4 month old EBF

[Tadah2]

Hi all, thank you so much for reading. I have a 4 month old EBF baby.

I am in hospital and on a high dependency ward. Unsure how long I will be kept in, and I’ve been in since Friday. The nurses and Drs are rushed off their feet. They have bought me a pump, but they’ve basically, in the kindest way, said they can’t keep getting me bottles from maternity (and because I’m trying to pump 700-900ml a day and the bottles are only 50ml) I need to pump and dump so I have to keep using the bottles I have. And they can’t bring me down a stack full at a time as maternity need them. They also can’t keep bringing me new sterile pumps. I have asked to bring in my pump from home, but they have stated no as they don’t have the facilities on this unit for me to keep cleaning and sterilising.

WWYD - I admittedly have no stash. I know the staff are busy, so can anyone think of any solutions that maybe I haven’t thought of?

thank you so much

Oh and to add, I suggested bringing baby in and Drs have stated they wouldn’t advise it as the ward is a mixed ward and some people have infections that they wouldn’t want a 4 month old baby to catch.

It sounds like you're quite poorly and need to focus on your own health. I had to go cold turkey and give up BF with my second for medical reasons. It was tough to stomach.but ultimately health comes first.

You don't need sterile pump. A large Tupperware box for the pump pieces. Then pop them in t a fridge (inside the box). The pump pieces needs washing (cold water rinse, hot soapy water, cold rinse) once every 24 hours.

Then for milk get a batch of ziplock bags (use two one inside the other) . Or a set of breastmilk bags. Pour the milk in bags after using the 50 ml bottles to collect the milk. Label the bags. Store in fridge. Breastmilk can stay safe for quite a few hours at room temperature and then 4 days in fridge.

Breast milk bags and
Microwave sterilising bags - both make it simpler

check if it’s a baby friendly initiative Hospital if it is there will be a dedicated infant feeding coordinator who should be able to support you you could phone them through switchboa. Is there a patient/relative kitchen with a microwave? You could get some of the microwave sterilising bags. If not, the pump will sets should last 24hrs if you keep them in a sealed container

Is there a breastfeeding or infant feeding specialist at your hospital? Could they come to see you and give you some advice? They may be in a better position to advise in your situation than the doctors and nurses. Hopefully they can help with a solution

Pump doesn't need to be sterile, and you complain in Monday you're not being supported to breastfeed. Have someone bring you sterilised bottles from home everyday. This is something you want to do, and you shouldn't be forced to stop if you don't want to. Hospitals are pretty shitty when it comes to supporting this, and they shouldn't be. Have you asked for a room you can go and feed your child in? U know where we work it's provided- same as it is for staff who breastfeed.

Children’s wards will have the bigger bottles that attach to the pumps