I have to get an MRI done on Thursday (9/30) and since they will be using a contrast dye, I won't be able to nurse for about 48 hours after. I have a 4.5 month old who is exclusively breastfed, and I REALLY don't want to put him on formula. We had to do that with our first for a short time, and in the end it caused him to wean really early. Are there any milk banks in the area or resources for buying/getting milk donations? Thank you!!
Thank you all so much for the help! I found a friend who is able to donate enough.
I'm an office manager for a pediatric office. I would suggest you contact some of the NICU (for preemies) department at some of the hospitals. I know they have a "bank" of breast milk and could possibly steer you in the right direction. Good Luck.
J. F
Milk banks supply milk to hospitals to use for premature and critically ill babies. In your situation, the safest thing to do it to pump like crazy between now and Thursday morning and save every drop you can for your baby to drink over those 48 hours, supplementing with formula if necessary. While formula isn't ideal in the eyes of a breastfeeder, it's better than getting milk for someplace that doesn't screen, test and process human milk correctly or buying it from a stranger on the internet. Good luck!
You may want to try and contact some lactation consultants. They may have more information on milk banks (or know people willing to donate). The one I worked with was Tracey Grady with Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (____@____.com). There is also the Nurturing Hearts Birth Center. They are more Doula/Midwife services, but they may have resources. (http://www.nurturingheartsbirthservices.com/)
Other than that, I would agree with Missy. Pump, Pump, Pump. Pump right after feeding and if you think you have extra in between feedings. Then if you have to, mix the breastmilk with the formula...so your baby does not get 100% formula.
Good luck.
I don't think you have a lot of time, or a lot of options. I agree with the pumping like crazy, and have some liquid formula (my kids liked the taste of it better) on hand. I get where you're coming from, and obviously the MRI is of serious nature, but you can't starve your kid.
Otherwise try to push it back so you can have more stored. Good luck and I hope everything is ok.
Contacting a lactation consultant would be best. Remember that milk banks pasteurize the milk, so baby won't be getting all off the good stuff because it will be killed. Also NEVER mix formula with breastmilk. Doing so changes the make up of the formula and makes it very hard for baby to digest.
