Breastfeeding a premature baby may seem like a mountain to navigate right now, but it is possible, and the very best thing you can do for your baby.

Why Mother’s Milk

Mother’s milk is liquid gold for babies, especially preemies. If your baby was premature your body is making milk specifically designed for her. Research shows that pre-term milk is higher in:

- Calories
- Fats
- Proteins
- White blood cells
- Immunoglobulins
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
These nutrients are exactly what your baby needs more of!
Science says breastfed preemies:
- Become smarter kids
- See better
- Have less infection
- Go home sooner
- Breath better
- Have healthier skin
- Build better bones
- Have less risk of reflux
- Have less risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe inflammatory bowel condition)

Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers of Preemies

- Oxytocin and prolactin, hormones produced by a breastfeeding mother’s body help to relax mom by giving her a sense of calmness and well-being. This is nature’s natural “sleeping pill.”
- Helps mother feel connected.
- Helps mom get to know her baby by keeping her involved in baby’s daily care.
- Promotes mother’s health.

When

The age at which each preemie will be able to feed at the breast is different from baby to baby. If that time is not now, have faith. The time when your baby will transition from drinking your pumped breast milk to feeding at the breast will come. Until then, realize you can still provide the best thing for your baby – your breast milk!

Whether your baby is able to nurse directly from the breast or not, the next few days are crucial. Milk must be taken from the breast to stimulate them to make more. This is a simple case of supply and demand. Your milk production will adapt to how much your baby is taking or how much you are pumping. Pumping might seem odd right now, but it will make it possible for you and your baby to benefit from a long nursing relationship in the future.

How

When it comes to pumping it is important that you:

- Pick the right pump – a hospital grade double collection system
- Consult a lactation specialist and a LLL Leader
- Get comfortable. Prepare your surroundings. Whether you are pumping in a private pumping room or in the NICU next to your baby, you will need a comfy chair, a table, containers for the milk, and healthy snacks and fluids for you.
- Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Relax before you start.
During the first few days you may only be able to pump a small amount of colostrum at a time, it’s extremely important that your baby receive your colostrum. Colostrum is rich in:
- Nutrients
- Antibodies
- Infection fighters

After a few days your milk will become much more plentiful.

The doctors, nurses, lactation consultants and LLL Leaders are there to help you and your baby. They will help you with how often to pump and how to store your pumped milk. Ask lots of questions and make your desires for giving your baby breast milk known.

If your baby is able to feed directly from the breast right off the bat, or if you have been pumping and baby is now ready to feed directly, that is splendid. Breastfeeding is a learned process whether you are breastfeeding a premature baby or a full-term baby.

The first nursing sessions may be uncomfortable or difficult, that’s OK; keep working at it, be patient, and surround yourself with people who will support you.

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