Lauren’s journey into motherhood began earlier than expected, following an emergency C-section at 30 weeks. Her son Noah was cared for in neonatal, after the heartbreaking loss of his twin brother, Julian.
During those early days, when so much felt uncertain and out of her control, pumping became a way for Lauren to support her baby – and to stay connected to him.
“It gave me a sense of purpose”
I pumped while my baby Noah was in neonatal, following an emergency C-section at 30 weeks. Noah is a twin, but we lost his twin brother Julian from Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS).
Pumping and providing him with breast milk became something that felt really important for me during that time. It gave me a sense of purpose and something positive I could do for him when so much felt out of my control.
It also helped me feel connected to him, even when I couldn’t always hold or see him as much as I wanted.
“Every drop felt like a milestone”
Whilst in the Derby Neonatal Unit I supplied with the Ardo Carum hospital grade breast pump to use. Having a pump that was simple, reliable, and comfortable to use made a real difference. It helped me establish my supply.
I remember in the early days feeling absolutely thrilled to get just 10ml – it felt like such a huge achievement at the time. My milk supply built up more and more, and now I’m easily getting around 200ml per pump now we are back at home.
“One less thing to worry about”
Pumping in those early weeks allowed me to go on to establish full breastfeeding with Noah, and we’re still doing that now 10 weeks on.
Pumping and breastfeeding isn’t an easy journey, especially with a premature baby. Having a pump I could rely on meant that was one less thing to worry about. It gave me confidence that I was doing everything I could for Noah, and that made such a difference during a really challenging time.
Lauren’s story is a powerful reminder of the role pumping can play in supporting both feeding and connection – especially in the early days following a premature birth and C-section.
We’re so grateful to Lauren for sharing her experience as part of C-section Awareness Month.
