Introduction
Breast milk is super important for helping newborns grow and develop well. But, many babies born too early have a tough time with breastfeeding at the beginning. Breastfeeding promotes better physical health for later life, especially for preterm babies. In addition, it can protect premature babies from neonatal infections. Human breast milk can protect against Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition.
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding acts as a protective shield against infections and reduces the risk of various diseases for babies. It protects newborns from many systemic disorders, including diabetes, heart problems, and obesity.
It also lowers the likelihood of developing allergic conditions, such as asthma. In addition, babies with successful breastfeeding and sufficient milk feed have higher IQ (intelligence quotient). It also improves the infant's brain development.
It also minimizes the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in breastfeeding mothers. The skin-to-skin contact builds an emotional bond between the mother and the newborn babies that many moms cherish.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly encourages breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life and suggests continuing as long as the mom and baby want to.
How to Breastfeed Premature Infants?
Premature babies are very small or sick, and they may lack the reflexes to look for their mother's breast. All these conditions make preterm babies incapable of breastfeeding. However, breast milk is essential and possesses numerous health benefits, so it is necessary to find a way to feed the babies as soon as possible.
- Feeding Baby With Expressed Breast Milk: Under such circumstances, expressed milk can be used for breastfeeding premature infants. Expressing milk is squeezing milk from the breast with the help of a breast pump to store it and use it anytime later. Extracted breast milk can serve both purposes, it helps to maintain proper milk flow from the breast of the mother, as well as it can be stored and used later for feeding babies. The expressed milk can be frozen and stored for feeding later. However, following the guidelines well while handling breast milk is essential. In addition, follow proper hygiene and sanitization to prevent any source of infection.
- Skin-To-Skin Contact With the Premature Baby: Breastfeeding the infant establishes skin-to-skin contact between the infant and mother. Spending close time with the newborn can help boost the milk supply and establish breastfeeding. One can then continue breastfeeding when the mother and the baby are ready. Mothers who maintain skin-to-skin contact with their babies (also known as kangaroo care) are known to experience an increase in breast milk volume. Some studies claim that there is possibly an increased secretion of maternal milk antibodies to specific pathogens when the infants are near. There are many benefits of skin-to-skin contact for premature babies. Some of them are:
- Promotes weight gain.
- Make their sleep better.
- Establishes breastfeeding.
- Regulate and support their heart rate and breathing.
- Tube Feeding the Premature Baby: Preterm babies may be fed with the help of a feeding tube in the beginning, as they cannot be breastfed. If the child is in the NICU (Neonatal Care Unit), they may be provided with this tube. It goes through the nose or mouth into the stomach. The doctor or staff in the NICU may teach how to feed the baby with this tube. However, if the baby is premature or sick, the doctor may initially advise feeding through an Intravenous (IV) line.
- Use of Donor Breast Milk for Feeding: Newborns suffering from high-risk neonatal infections need immediate care, including breast milk. Therefore, breast milk banks are mainly located in big hospitals providing neonatal care. It is common to find human milk banks in Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) taking care of premature babies. The premature baby can be fed with donor milk until the mother’s milk supply is established.
- Gradually Begin Breastfeeding the Premature Baby: In a while, a parent might observe signs from their baby directed towards the breasts. Initially, the infant may engage in licking the breast, they may attempt to suckle, gradually learning to feed from the breasts. These cues serve as indicators for mothers to understand their baby's hunger and respond by providing nourishment.
How Much Milk Is Usual to Pump in the First Week Postpartum?
During the initial week postpartum, it is typical to pump small amounts of milk as the supply is still to be established. A new mother may commonly pump 1.5 to 2 ounces per session. Initially, a low output is normal, and it usually increases as the baby continues to breastfeed and milk production ramps up.
What Is the Recommended Frequency for Daily Pumping Sessions?
The recommended pumping frequency is around 8 to 12 times daily, including day and night sessions. In the early weeks, aim for pumping every 2 to 3 hours, even at night, to replicate a newborn's feeding pattern. As the baby grows, the milk supply stabilizes and can gradually reduce the frequency of pumping sessions. Adjust the pumping schedule according to the baby's feeding routine and the new mother's comfort.
How to Prepare for Breastfeeding When Preterm Babies Recover?
Initiating breastfeeding for a premature baby is important, and r]need to educate mothers about the unique challenges and benefits. Consulting healthcare professionals or a lactation consultant is essential for proper guidance. Early expression of colostrum and establishing a pumping routine enhance milk production. Incorporating kangaroo care fosters bonding and encouragement. Gradually develop a feeding schedule that aligns with the baby's needs. Learn proper latching techniques and practice patience, acknowledging small victories. Cultivate a robust support system and prioritize self-care for an enriched breastfeeding experience.
How Can Mothers Maintain Personal Health While Caring for a Premature Baby?
Looking after the health and well-being of new mothers is equally important. This involves proper rest, nutrition, and seeking support from friends and family or healthcare professionals. The well-being of new mothers is important in providing optimal care for premature babies.
How Should One Care for a Premature Baby After Bringing Them Home?
Pay attention to their hunger cues when bringing a premature baby home from the hospital, ensuring responsive feeding. Some premature babies may be sleepy and require assistance to wake up for feeds; setting an alarm for nighttime feeding helps maintain regularity. Understand their hunger cues and ensure they receive enough milk. While co-sleeping is enjoyable for many breastfeeding mothers and babies, It is recommended to use a firm sleeping surface for the baby to sleep on to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The transition from home care may differ; healthcare professionals and parents should provide extra care and support, monitoring the baby's weight gain. Spending time at home with the baby in a comfortable environment helps new mothers build confidence in their parenting skills.
Conclusion
The first key to success is maintaining the milk flow in the mammary duct by continuing to express the milk. Also, try removing the breast milk seven to eight times a day. Breast pumps can be used for expressing breast milk. Breastfeeding can be life-saving for many preterm babies. Studies claim feeding an infant at the breast can provide the mother with physiological, physical, psychological, and pragmatic benefits. Keeping mothers together with their infants at the NICU and reducing pacifiers may help the earlier establishment of breastfeeding.
