Breastfeeding Premature Babies

Many mothers are worried about breastfeeding if they have given birth prematurely. The experience of having a premature baby can often leave mothers worried and confused about certain aspects after birth such as breastfeeding. You may be reassured to know that women are encouraged to breastfeed their baby even if they are born prematurely, due to the fact that premature babies require the energy and added nutrition that breastfeeding can bring.

In most cases premature babies can be slower at establishing breastfeeding as they can take longer to latch on. Your baby’s ability to suck and digest milk will need to be developed and you will need to be patient. If your baby does have trouble latching on you could express some milk until your baby is more able to suckle.

How to start breastfeeding a premature baby

The hospital staff will be able to assist you when breastfeeding your premature baby. As soon as your baby is ready you can begin trying to feed him/her. The first thing you will do is express colostrum which is your baby’s first milk and often thicker than normal breast milk. The staff will be able to show you how to express your colostrum effectively. 

Gently massaging the breast area can promote more breast milk or alternatively you could try using an electric breast pump.  The hospital staff will encourage you to express your milk for around eight times a day for your baby to get enough milk.  Some hospitals will offer you an electric pump to take home with you but in some cases you may need to purchase your own from a mother and baby outlet.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding my premature baby?

There are many benefits to breastfeeding your premature baby, as outlined below:

• Your breast milk contains key nutrients and helps to promote healthy growth in your baby. This is especially vital for a premature baby.
• Breast milk is easier for your baby to digest than formula milk so you will be making things easier for your baby.
• Breast milk is enriched with antibodies that can protect your baby against viruses. Due to premature babies being less developed they will be prone to viruses which is why breastfeeding is so important.
• Breastfeeding can assist brain development in premature babies.
• You can achieve a close bond with your baby when you breastfeed.
• Breastfeeding has added benefits for your health and can help you to lose pregnancy weight.

What can I do to encourage my baby to breastfeed?

There are a few things you can do to encourage your baby to breastfeed, as described below:

• As soon as your baby is ready you can start holding him/her close to your body to promote skin to skin contact. This close contact will stimulate antibodies in your breast milk and help them to fight infection.
• Try offering your breast milk to your baby gradually; you can express a drop of breast milk onto your baby’s mouth to encourage feeding.
• You could offer your breast after you have expressed milk if you do not want to overwhelm your baby and this could help him/her to suckle.
• You can try stroking your baby’s face as they may feel more tired if they are born prematurely and may need to be kept alert while breastfeeding.

If you still have trouble getting your baby to breastfeed you could try temporarily expressing the breast milk and offering it in a small cup. Keep trying to persevere with breastfeeding as the added benefits will soon pay off.

Getting help with breastfeeding premature babies

If you do require further help in breastfeeding your premature baby you could talk to the neonatal unit staff. Many neonatal units have specialised breastfeeding advisors who can further assist you and help you to establish breastfeeding with your baby. You could also talk to your doctor. You may be visited by a health visitor after birth and they are always enthusiastic to help you with breastfeeding and can give you sound advice on breastfeeding techniques.