Here are tips to help you breastfeed
your preemie while in the NICU.
If your baby is unable to feed or
latch:
• Start pumping as soon as you
can to establish your milk supply. Ask a nurse for a pump and assistance.
• If your preemie is tube
feeding, your baby’s nurse can show you how to give your baby his feedings.
• Pump frequently, every 2 to
2-1/2 hours around the clock for a couple of days and nights (or 8 to 12 times
during the day, so you can catch some sleep at night).
• Practice skin to skin or kangaroo care if your nurse says
it is ok. Both are beneficial, even if your baby is connected to machines and
tubes.
If your baby is able to suckle:
• Ask to feed him in a quiet,
darkened room, away from the beeping machines and bright lights.
• Many mothers find the cross cradle position very
helpful for feedings. Start with kangaroo care. Then position the baby across
your lap, turned in towards you, chest to chest. Use a pillow to bring him to
the level of your breast if you need to.
• Preemies need many
opportunities at the breast to develop feeding skills regardless of gestational
age. This requires practice and patience.
• You may need increased
support to breastfeed your preemie. Look for support from your nurses, the hospital’s lactation consultant,
friends or family.
Not every tip will work for every
mom. Try to find the feeding methods and solutions that work best for you and
your preemie. More information on how to feed your baby in the NICU can be
found here.
If you have questions about how to
feed your baby, email us at AskUs@marchofdimes.org.
Tags: breastfeeding, kangaroo care, lactation consultant, NICU,
preemie, premature, pumping, skin to skin, tube feeding
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