19/08/2023
Having a premature baby can be a worrying and stressful time for new parents. Many mothers feel like they have little control over, or even relevance to, their baby’s wellbeing.
Breastfeeding a premature baby can be even more trying and stressful experience.
Many mothers of premature babies can encounter many challenges in establishing breastfeeding. However, as with any breastfeeding relationship, once established it usually becomes easier and very rewarding for you and your baby.
Some premature babies have difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding for the first few weeks of their lives. This is because infants, both full-term and premature, continue developing their ability to suck, swallow and breathe after birth. This is a skill they need to feed, so they can coordinate how to suck, swallow then breathe through their nose. Additionally, premature babies may be sleepy and get tired during their feeds.
Breastfeeding may take more coordination for a preemie than bottle feeding, and depending on how premature your baby is, they may have difficulty latching. But there are other ways to provide breastmilk to your little one if they have difficulty latching and eventually transition your baby to the breast.
If you know a new mom who would benefit from learning to get her baby back to the breast please comment below.