"Unsupported breastfeeding journey"

After a preterm birth I was transferred to KEMH, with my baby in the NICU. I was taken back to ED as I informed staff that I would like to try to commence pumping to bring in my milk for my baby. 

I was handed a breast pump and expected to know what to do and how to pump. Unfortunately as I had given birth at just 23 weeks I had not been able to attend any of my planned prenatal classes that would have taught me how to use the pump and what to expect. I was told that I would have learnt this I tried to explain that everything had happened before we were ready. I then was told it was in the book I would have received from my doctor, I said yes however that is in my bag that I arrived with in the ambulance with and I haven’t actually seen it since arriving and headed straight to the NICU to spend time with my baby as they were my priority. 

I was left with my younger sibling (with no experience in pumping) as they were the only person available to complete my first ever pumping session. 

I felt embarrassed, unimportant, vulnerable and unwanted. 

I felt like I was not a priority for the staff and yes maybe there was a patient with a higher need for care. 

I wish a staff member had have taken the time to explain the situation and provided me with more information and details on how to proceed.