Is Breastfeeding Important for my Premature Baby?

The simple answer is YES! Babies that are born pre-term have a special need for their mother's milk. If your baby was born earlier than expected, you are probably awash in a storm of feelings. Feelings of protectiveness come over you when you see your baby's tiny body. You may be feeling afraid, angry or guilty. The busy, bustling medical team may be making you feel out of place and question your role as a vital partner in your child's care.

You are needed, and have a unique gift to provide: your milk. The milk from your breasts is something you alone can provide for your baby. It contains invaluable nutrients and immunities that can make a big difference in the health of your baby and in his/her development.

The milk produced by the mother of a pre-term infant is higher in protein and other nutrients than the milk produced by the mother of a term infant. Human milk also contains lipase, and enzyme that allows the baby to digest fat more effciently. Your breastfed premie is less likely to develop infections that are common to babies fed breastmilk substitutes. He/She will be protected by the immunities in your milk while his/her own immature immune system is developing.

Your fresh milk is the best for your baby. Donor milk must be pasturized, which kills the infection-fighting live cells (though it is certainly the best alternative when a mother is unable to provide her own milk).

Research has found that breastfeeding is less stressful than bottle feeding for babies, so let your doctor know you prefer to put the baby to breast when he is ready, instead of using a bottle. To encourage a reluctant baby, you may want to try a special tube feeding system on your nipple or finger. A La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant will be able to help you obtain one and learn to use it.

Providing your milk, either directly at the breast or by pumping, benefits you and your baby in other ways. The loving bond you feel as the milk flows is good for your relationship. When you pump milk for your baby or breastfeed him/her, you secrete hormones that enhance the bonding process. It helps you to think of your baby as a person first, your very own beloved child, and not just the doctor's medical case. This bond will sustain both of you through any difficulties that lie ahead.

How Do I Postion My Pre-Term Baby at the Breast?

Many mothers of premature babies find the cross cradle hold very useful for this stage. This techinque allows you to get a better view of your baby, and to control the baby's head.

1. Postion the baby across your lap, turned in towards you, chest to chest. Use pillows to bring him/her up to the level of your breast.
2. If you are offering your right breast, hold the baby's head in your left hand, and support your breast with your right.
3. Support your breast using the Dancer Hold Position. This position supports your baby's chin in the sling between your thumb and index finger. This helps your baby maintain a good latch
• The mother supports her breast with a C-hold, thumb on top, four fingers underneath.
• She slides the hand supporting her breast forward, supporting the breast with three rather than four fingers. Her index finger and thumb should now be free in front of her nipple.
• The mother bends her index finger slightly so it is gently holding the baby's cheek on one side while the thumb holds the other cheek. The index finger and thumb form a "U" with the baby's chin resting on the bottom of the "U".
4. Pull you baby close and enjoy! You may need to repeat these steps as you and your baby learn together. Take time to soothe both of you with plenty of skin-to-skin contact.

What about Pumping My Milk for My Premature Baby?

If your baby is not strong enough to feed at the breast, you should begin to pump as soon after the birth as you are able. Frequent pumping, every two to three hours, will mimic the frequency of a newborn's feeding pattern, and bring in a good milk supply. "The key to maintaining a milk supply over time while expressing is to establish a daily routine and stick to it, mimicking the frequency and length of a baby's usual breastfeeding routine." (LLLI BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, p.253)

Use a full-size, hospital-grade pump, with a double-pump kit; many NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) have these pumps available for mothers. Ask at your hospital.

Pumping both breasts at once will save you time. Save your colostrum, the first milk. This is the perfect first feed for you baby to have.

Source: www.llli.org/FAQ