Breast milk isn't always given to infants in busy NICUs, where clinicians often focus on other medical issues and may not take time to arrange for mothers to pump milk.

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She says she hadn't known about the importance of breast milk to the digestive system, and was encouraged to use a breast pump to provide milk.

WSJ: How Hospitals Save More Lives and Reduce Infections in Premature Babies

She called another lactation consultant, who listened patiently to her story and immediately offered this tip: pump some milk, throw it away, and put Anika to her breast.

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The lucky ones have a private space in which to pump and a fridge to store their milk.

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One woman listed the accessories she invested in: a special "Boppy" nursing pillow, a rocking chair, nursing bras, a pump, and herbal supplements (rumored to enhance milk supply).

CNN: Breastfeeding is intuitive and easy? No!

To prevent this, milk is forced under extreme pressure and at high velocity to pass through tiny passages by a piston pump.

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