We had a surprise and our son was born 6 weeks early. The doctor says he will spend several weeks in the NICU. I really want to breastfeed but they are recommending supplements and that I only pump. Is this best for my baby? I’m unsure.
At 34 weeks your baby should be able to try to latch and spend time at your breast, even if they can't get a full feeding. However, if he needs to be fed by a tube or syringe before he can breastfeed, you will need to remove breast milk on a consistent schedule to establish your milk supply. Click here for information on breastfeeding the late preterm infant.
Early Days
It's easier to remove colostrum (first milk) with hand expression than with a breast pump. All of the colostrum is very important to give to your baby. It helps to seal up his gut and gives him a healthy digestive system for the rest of his life. Colostrum is available in very small amounts and is safe for a baby to swallow even if they are not taking in larger quantities of milk yet.
Begin hand expressing within the first hour after delivery and continue every two hours during the day and every three hours at night, until the mature milk "comes in."
When Milk Volume Increases
After the milk transitions to mature milk, about 2-4 days after delivery, using a hospital-grade double electric pump will be most effective at building a healthy milk supply.
If possible, maintain the same schedule of expressing every two hours during the day and every three hours at night. Learn how to pump effectively (see image below) and make sure you are using the correct flange size to maximize output. It can be helpful to look at your baby when pumping. If you are away from him, look at photos or a video.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
In addition to providing your baby with breast milk, it's essential to spend lots of time holding him skin-to-skin. This is sometimes called “Kangaroo Care” when it’s done with preemies, and it can be continued for many months.
Skin-to-skin time will help you bond with your baby and increase your milk making hormones. Babies held skin-to-skin will have better heart rate, breathing, and temperature regulation. Babies also grow at a faster rate when they spend more time skin-to-skin with their parents. The direct contact of infant massage also provides benefits for preterm babies.
Nourishing Your Baby with Breast Milk
Breast milk is the perfect food for your premature baby. Your body will make special milk because it knows that your baby was born early. Your baby needs this milk for the health of his digestive system and brain growth. Your milk also gives him antibodies that protect him from illnesses. And because your milk is easy to digest, your baby will have fewer tummy aches.
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