Providing human milk to very premature infants presents a variety of challenges. To maximize milk supply, new mothers should begin frequent pumping shortly after delivery.Mothers whose babies are in the NICU should be encouraged to begin pumping within 6–12 hours of delivery and to pump 8 – 12 times per day, ensuring that they empty the breast each time. These interventions significantly increase the likelihood that a premature infant will receive his mother’s own milk.