Breastfeeding Baby - Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby

Breastfeeding the Premature Baby

If your baby is born premature this does not mean that you can't breastfeed, in fact some premature babies are able to nurse on the first day while others will have to wait till they are several weeks old before they able to breastfeed. It just depends on the premature baby.

Even if your premature baby is unable to feed at the breast it is still important that they receive breast milk. Once your baby is born and you have established that you will not be able to nurse them at your breast you should ask for a pump, often hospital have electric pumps, and begin pumping milk for your baby. That way if nothing else you will be able to provide them with absolute best nourishment.

In some hospitals they may have breast milk on hand to feed to premature babies. This is truly a great alternative to feeding a premature baby formula however it is ideal that your baby receives the breast milk that comes from you. Breast milk that comes from moms that deliver a premature baby contains more antibodies and of some important nutrients than breast milk that comes from a mother who delivered a full term baby. In addition to your breast milk a premature baby that is 2 or more months premature may require a mineral and vitamin supplement as well.

Assuming that your baby is unable to nurse at the breast it is important that you pump as much as you would nurse your infant, to ensure that you will build up a supply for when the time comes to nurse your baby. If there is a reason that the first breast milk that you pump can not be given to your premature baby, the colostrum, ask that it be frozen and given to your baby when they are first feeding him by the mouth. Don't worry about pumping too much milk, you will get a good supply by the time your baby can nurse and anything that is not drank in the first 5 to 8 days, refrigerated of course, can be frozen. Pumping and Storing Breast Milk can offer more information on successful pumping.

When your baby is born prematurely there is a lot of chance for a lot of separation between you and your baby. You should ask to be with your baby as often as you can. Some hospital will allow what is call kangaroo care, where a premature baby is placed skin to skin with their mother. Studies have shown that this kind of care can regulate the breathing and heart beat of a premature baby.

To avoid nipple confusion a premature baby should be fed with a tube or cup, if they are unable to feed at the breast. Breastfeeding is less stressful for an infant and so if bottles can be left out, it is ideal to a good start to a great nursing relationship. After you take your baby home you can discuss with your doctor whether you need to give your baby supplements in addition to breastfeeding them. Stay positive and find support during this time.