Breastfeeding Premature
Important things you need to know about breastfeeding premature babies
Breastfeeding is always the healthier option for all babies, but breastfeeding premature babies is even more important. This is because premature babies spend less time in the womb, thereby getting less time for their early critical development. Breast milk is full of extra calories, vitamins, protein, and live cells that work to protect your baby against infection. Breast milk is nature’s perfect food for newborn babies, and premature babies need all the extra protection it provides.
One of the first things you should know about breastfeeding premature babies is that not all of them are ready to feed at the breast as soon as they are born. Some premature babies will need to start by receiving expressed breast milk through a tube. This is because sometimes the baby may not be able to suckle at the breast or the bottle. Hospital staff will always work with the mother and new baby to make sure the infant is getting enough nutrition. Breastfeeding premature babies requires the infants to be at least 32 weeks gestational age. If the baby is stable and not having any problems at 32 weeks, then breastfeeding can gradually be introduced.
Hospital staff will also help new mothers learn how to express their breast milk so their baby can receive it through the feeding tube if necessary. New mothers will need to begin expressing their breast milk no later than the day after the baby was born, although earlier is typically better. For the first couple of days of expressing the milk, new mothers will need to pump for about five minutes every three hours during the day and once at night. In all, they should express about six to eight times a day.
Another important thing about breastfeeding premature babies is that you shouldn’t get discouraged if it seems like your milk supply is running low. This is a very common problem, and there are some things you can do to try to increase it. Plenty of fluids and rest may be enough to help you increase the amount of milk you have to express. You might also try pumping more often for shorter periods of time. If you are ever in doubt, see a lactation counselor for more tips on breastfeeding premature babies.
If nothing you try seems to help increase your milk supply and your baby just isn’t able to suckle at your breast, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to make sure your baby gets the proper nutrition. Breast milk is always best for babies, but formula has come a long way in the past several years. Many formulas provide great nutrition for babies, so your baby will not suffer if breastfeeding is not an option for you. Many women find that breastfeeding is simply not an option, and breastfeeding premature babies can be even more difficult. Just make sure you call your pediatrician if you ever have any concerns about your baby’s nutrition.