My baby was born 8 weeks early and is having trouble breathing. My doctor prefers she stay on a ventilator away from me, but I'd like to do some skin-to-skin with her. What should I do?
Is skin-to-skin that important?
Yes, skin-to-skin contact is crucial for your baby's well-being, and you are right to communicate your desire for this time with your doctor. Even if you can't hold your baby right now, you should be allowed in the room with her. Being in the same room with your baby, looking at her and talking to her is beneficial for both of you.
As your baby grows and her breathing stabilizes, you will able to have skin-to-skin time. This is called "Kangaroo Care" when it's done with preemies. Babies held skin-to-skin will have better heart rate, breathing, and temperature regulation. They also grow at a faster rate and establish a strong bond with their parents. Ask your doctor about infant massage, as this is another way to have contact with your baby.
For breastfeeding moms, skin-to-skin will increase your milk-making hormones, which greatly benefits your milk supply.
I feel helpless. Is there anything else I can do now?
Having a baby in the NICU is very difficult and feelings of helplessness are normal. One of the best things you can do for your baby is provide her with your amazing 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 her digestive system and brain growth. Your milk also gives her antibodies that protect her from illnesses.
I'm all in! What now?
That's great! Keep that enthusiasm and remind yourself, on the tough days, of what a gift you are giving to your baby. It's easier to remove colostrum (first milk) with hand expression than with a breast pump. All of the colostrum is very important for your baby to receive. It helps to seal up her gut and gives her a healthy digestive system for the rest of her life. Colostrum is available in very small amounts but is rich and nutrient-dense. Her tummy cannot hold a large volume right now, so colostrum is just the right amount.
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."
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 her, look at photos or a video.
Your baby may be getting fed through a tube or syringe and can learn to latch later on. Great job providing breast milk for her by expressing now! For more information on exclusively pumping, click here.
SOURCE: “Hold Your Preemie” by Jill Bergman