Breastfeeding is a natural process of nourishing your baby with all the essential nutrients. It provides the perfect nutrition for babies, helping them grow and develop in a healthy way.

But have you ever heard about the power of breastfeeding for premature babies?.

When babies are born prematurely, they are like little fighters who need extra care and attention. Their bodies require more nutrients and protection as they continue to grow outside the mother’s womb.

Here is where breastfeeding emerges as a great ally for premature babies.

What is a Premature Baby?

A premature baby, also known as a preemie, is a baby born before the 37th week of gestation. A full-term pregnancy is around 40 weeks, but premature babies can be born at any time between 24 and 36 weeks.

Depending on how early they arrive, premature babies might have some health complications.

The earlier the birth, the higher the risk of complications. Some of the common complications that premature babies face include:.

Low birth weight
Difficulties breathing
Difficulty maintaining body temperature
Jaundice
Feeding challenges
Weak immune system

Breastfeeding can help mitigate or prevent some of these complications and promote a healthy development for your preemie baby.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Premature Babies

Breastfeeding is an excellent shield for your little preemie as it provides various health benefits that cannot be obtained from any other source. Here are some of the benefits of breastfeeding for premature babies:.

Boosts immune system

Preemie babies are susceptible to infections due to their weak immune system. Breastmilk contains essential nutrients and antibodies that can help boost the baby’s immune system and protect them from infections.

Assists in brain development

Preemies need all the nutrients they can get to help their brains develop correctly. Breastmilk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that contributes to brain growth and development.

Promotes healthy weight gain

Preemies’ low birth weight can make weight gain a considerable challenge. Breastmilk is rich in all the nutrients a preemie needs to grow and gain weight healthily.

Reduces the risk of SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a scary occurrence for any parent. Studies show that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50% compared to formula-fed babies.

Improves Feeding Tolerance

Preemies sometimes struggle to feed, making it difficult for them to take in the necessary nutrients. Breastfeeding can help improve feeding tolerance in premature babies.

Challenges of Breastfeeding a Premature Baby

Breastfeeding a premature baby comes with its challenges, but none of them is insurmountable. Here are some of the common challenges some mothers face while breastfeeding preemies:.

Latching Difficulties

Preemies can have a smaller mouth, making it difficult to latch on to the breast. They can also have weaker sucking and swallowing reflexes, which can make it challenging for them to feed efficiently.

Milk Supply Challenges

Breastmilk production can take several days to stimulate when breastfeeding your baby. For preemies who need higher volumes to promote healthy growth, it may be challenging to meet the demand before breastmilk kicks in.

Feeding Tubes

Preemies may be required to have feeding tubes early due to their inability to feed. Mothers may require pump breastmilk for administration through the feeding tube.

How to Prepare for Breastfeeding a Premature Baby

Preparation is essential when it comes to breastfeeding a premature baby. You can take several steps before the baby arrives to make the process more manageable. Here are some of the things you can do:.

Start Pumping Early

Ensure that you get started on pumping early before the baby arrives. Pumping regularly helps to initiate and stimulate milk production. Some hospitals may also allow you to use a hospital-grade pump to help establish milk supply.

Set up a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a feeding schedule can make feeding time more manageable. It would be best to feed your baby every few hours to keep their tummies full and help them grow and gain weight.

Get Support from a Lactation Consultant

Working with a lactation consultant can help you prepare for breastfeeding a preemie. They can guide you through the process, offer advice, and address any issues you may have.

Monitor Your Baby’s Progress

Monitor your baby’s progress regularly to ensure they’re feeding well, gaining weight, and hitting appropriate milestones. Regular checkups can help identify any issues early and prevent complications from arising.

The Bottom Line

Breastfeeding a premature baby can be challenging, but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your baby’s health and development.

Breastmilk contains all the vital nutrients, and it’s a great way to help nurture your little preemie, fight infections and promote healthy development.