Something that moms of preemies understand that the “normal” mothers don’t is that preemies have unique challenges and their “preemie” status follows them for at least a few years. Moms of preemies are always talking about real age vs. adjusted age as an indicator of developmental markers and preemie moms generally have to be extra cautious about illness during the first few years of life.
We all know that breast milk is the best food for your baby. It is the best food for preemies as it contains valuable antibodies to ward off sickness and it contains extra fat to help baby gain weight. It’s easier to digest and it’s just plain better for them than formula.
The trick is that it’s kind of difficult to breastfeed a preemie while they are hooked up to machines. Preemies have to learn how to suck as well because breast milk develops as a result of effective sucking. It’s not just being in the hospital that presents challenges either. Most women are not able to establish a good supply while their baby is in the NICU because women’s bodies are simply not designed to respond to a pump in the same way that they would respond to their own baby‘s suckling.
The challenges shouldn’t stop you from trying. However, they may cause you to shift your thinking a little when it comes to nutrition for your preemie.
Any Amount of Breastmilk is Beneficial
Studies have shown that even a miniscule amount of breast milk is beneficial. Why is it important for preemie moms to know this? The reality is, a preemie mom may never be able to fully breastfeed her child. So many moms tend to look at breastfeeding as an “all or nothing” proposition. While obviously the goal may be to exclusively breastfeed. . .it’s okay if it doesn’t happen. It’s okay to start small. If you’re able to pump 4 oz. a day–do it. Even if you’re able to pump 2 oz. a day; that’s better than nothing at all.
You are Probably Not Supermom: Get Help!
You might be. I don’t know. But most of us out there are not supermoms. You might not be able to run back and forth to the hospital for weeks on end, while pumping around the clock, walking the dog and making sure dinner is done to perfection each night.
Getting a preemie to nurse exclusively takes a fair amount of effort. It often requires the use of a Supplemental Nutrition System and/or pumping every two hours around the clock for months.
Some women do this–I know. They tend to have a lot of help from family and friends, no other children besides their one preemie, and a significant amount of support from hospital staff and others.
What you need to remember is that you don’t have to be supermom to be a super mom. Again, starting small is okay. It is also okay to let others around you know that you need help and a lot of it. You should seek out help for breastfeeding as well.
Get the mama fed and rested!
If you are like me, you are not a good parent without a lot of sleep. Oh sure, I can do a night or two of lousy sleep. I start to unravel at the hinges when I get poor sleep for months on end. And if you have a newborn to care for–you’re likely not getting sleep.
Sleep is significant because it helps you produce more milk. A poorly rested mama produces approximately 30% less than a wel rested one. You also are not going to produce as much milk if you are poorly nourished.
Some times you will have to give bottles, leave the laundry and order take-out in order to accomplish the end goal: some breast milk.
So to review, the 3 principles in breastfeeding a preemie are:
1–Some breast milk is better than none.
2–Get help!
3–Stay rested and well fed.
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