After days, weeks, or even longer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it might have felt like this day would never come. Now that it’s here, you may be feeling uncertain about how to care for your baby outside the hospital or wondering if your baby is ready. These feelings are completely normal. Trust that your baby’s medical team has helped prepare you for this moment, and you will be supported by your pediatrician and other health professionals when you go home. This guide is here for you, offering helpful breastfeeding advice and gentle reminders for both your physical and emotional well-being during this special time.

Your Emotional Journey

The NICU experience can be emotionally draining, and you may feel a range of emotions like sadness, relief, anxiety, or even guilt. It’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. 

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Postpartum care is shifting toward more frequent follow ups, and part of that care is assessment for postpartum mood. Speaking to your healthcare provider or counselor regularly through your early postpartum experience can help you access the care you need. Postpartum depression or anxiety can affect any mother, but it can feel even more intense if your baby has spent time in the NICU. If you feel overwhelmed, sad, or disconnected, please reach out for help. 

  • Peer support groups can be an invaluable source of emotional support. Sharing their experiences as NICU families, acknowledging the struggles, and encouraging one another is a great source of stability during this time. 

  • Canopie: The Canopie App is a mental health program focused on building new mother confidence and offering education. It’s designed in small, digestible bites to support you throughout your parenting journey. You can download Canopie to access the program for free through Aeroflow: AEROREF.

 

The Physical Impact on Your Body

Having a baby, especially after a stay in the NICU, can be hard on your body. You may feel physically tired, sore, or even a bit “off” as you adjust to caring for your baby at home. Whether you had a C-section or a vaginal birth, your body has been through a lot in a relatively short amount of time.

Should I Take It Slow?

Absolutely! Don’t rush yourself. Give your body time to heal. Protecting your own recovery will have a positive effect for both you and your baby.

  • Accept support. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends, even if it’s just for small tasks like making meals or watching your baby while you take a break. You don’t have to do it all alone.

  • Sleep when you can. Most babies' sleep is quite varied for the first few months of life—so rest when your baby rests. Getting enough sleep is important for both your physical recovery and your mental health. If you are struggling to balance your sleep needs with your pumping and breastfeeding journey, a Lactation Consultant can provide the tools you need to achieve both goals.

  • Breathe and relax. Take moments to care for yourself during the day to breathe deeply, stretch, and just relax. Whether it’s a hot shower, a quick walk, or a cup of tea, find something that calms your mind and body.

  • Your nutrition matters. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is important for both your recovery and for breastfeeding. If you’re pumping or breastfeeding, your body needs extra hydration to help make breast milk for your baby.

  • Eating nourishing foods will help you stay energized. A balanced diet with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important to provide the calories needed for milk production and help fuel your busy days.

Breastfeeding After the NICU

Bringing your baby home from the NICU is a major milestone—and transitioning to more breastfeeding can feel both exciting and a little uncertain. Every baby’s journey is different, and your baby’s health care team may recommend specific clinical guidelines to help support a safe transition.

The goal during this time is to provide as much of your breast milk as possible while protecting your baby’s growth and development. That may mean continuing to balance pumping, bottle feeding, and breastfeeding as your baby builds strength and stamina. Some babies—especially those born prematurely—may also need temporary supplementation with donor breast milk or baby formula.

Here are some tips to help you get started and find your rhythm at home:

Manage Your Breast Milk Supply

If you’re using a breast pump at the guidance of the NICU staff, it’s important to continue pumping regularly to maintain your milk supply. Your baby will return to the breast more easily if there is a rewarding amount of milk available. Aim to pump at least 8 times per day with a frequent pumping schedule to ensure you’re producing enough milk for your baby. A helpful goal is about 25 oz of expressed breast milk per day around 2 weeks of life. This average is enough breast milk for your baby to thrive all the way through their first year.

Start Slowly

If your baby is still learning to latch, try to be patient and persistent. A poor latch makes it hard for your baby to get the volume of milk they need to thrive, so seek help if your baby's latch is painful. If your baby isn’t able to achieve a good latch right away, you can continue pumping to ensure your milk supply stays strong.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and support breastfeeding. Holding your baby against your chest can encourage them to latch and help regulate their body temperature, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. After being separated during your baby's hospital stay, unrestricted access to one another can make a big difference in your connection and confidence levels.

Be Patient with Yourself

It’s okay if breastfeeding doesn't happen right away. Your baby might need time to adjust, and so might you. Take things one step at a time, and don’t feel discouraged if things don’t go smoothly at first. Working with a lactation consultant can provide invaluable support in helping you transition to breastfeeding after the NICU. 

Celebrate Small Wins

Remember that every day is a step forward. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s a successful breastfeeding session, a peaceful nap, or just a quiet moment with your baby. You’ve been through so much to get to this point, and bringing your baby home from the NICU is a moment to cherish and be proud of. Congratulations!

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.