Patient education: Benefits of breast milk for premature babies (The Basics)

What does it mean when a baby is born premature? — 

A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy (3 or more weeks before the due date) is called "premature" or "preterm."

What are the benefits of breast milk? — 

Breast milk has many benefits for all babies. But this is especially true for premature babies, who are at higher risk for certain health problems.

For a premature baby, breast milk can:

●Protect against "newborn necrotizing enterocolitis" – This is a condition that happens when there is a serious injury to a baby's intestines. It mostly happens in babies who are born very early (before 32 weeks of pregnancy) or have serious medical problems.

●Help prevent infection and lung problems

●Help with brain development and growth

Can I breastfeed my baby? — 

It depends on how early your baby was born, how big they are, and what medical care they need. Even if your baby is not ready to breastfeed, you can give them the benefits of breast milk by pumping your milk. If you pump, it's important to start as soon as possible after birth.

Some premature babies can breastfeed right away. But it can be hard for them to get enough milk out of the breast. After birth, the staff will help you figure out if your baby is ready to breastfeed. They can help you with things like:

●How much milk your baby needs

●How to hold and support your baby while breastfeeding

●Using a nipple shield to help your baby get a better "latch"

●How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk

●How often to feed your baby

●How to pump to keep your milk supply up

If your baby cannot suck and swallow well enough to drink milk, they might need a feeding tube. This is a small tube that goes into the baby's mouth or nose, down their throat, and into their stomach. If you pump breast milk, it can be fed to your baby through the tube. This way, they can get the benefits of breast milk even if they are not yet ready to breastfeed. Then, they can switch to breastfeeding when they are ready.

Does my baby need anything besides my breast milk? — 

It depends. Babies who were born very small, or are at risk for growth problems, might need milk "fortification." This means adding a special liquid or powder to pumped breast milk. The liquid or powder gives the baby extra nutrients to help them grow. Your baby's doctor will tell you if your baby needs this.

Premature babies who drink breast milk also need to take extra vitamin D and iron. Your baby's doctor can talk to you about when and how to give this.

What if I can't make enough milk? — 

If your baby is born premature, your breasts might not be ready to produce enough milk right away. Using a breast pump helps build up your milk supply. It's important to start pumping as soon as possible after the baby is born. It's also important to pump frequently. Use a "hospital-grade" electric pump if possible.

If you are still not making enough milk, other options include:

●Donor milk – This is breast milk donated by other people. Your doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant can give you more information about this. It's very important to get donor milk from a "milk bank." These banks follow special safety processes for collecting and storing milk.

●Formula – There are baby formulas that are specially made for premature babies. They have extra nutrients and calories to help the baby grow.

You might be able to give your baby your breast milk sometimes, and "supplement" with donor milk or formula at other times. Any amount of breast milk has benefits for your baby.

What happens after my baby comes home? — 

You should:

●Continue to follow the feeding plan you discussed with the doctor or nurse. This might include:

•Feeding your baby as soon as they show signs of being hungry

•Working with a lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert) to help your baby learn to feed well

•Pumping after each feed to help keep your milk supply up

•Giving your baby extra milk or formula with a cup, bottle, or feeding tube

●See your baby's doctor or nurse for a follow-up visit within a day or 2. You will continue to see them regularly during the first few months after going home. At these visits, the doctor or nurse will check your baby's growth and development. They can also talk to you about when you can stop things like extra pumping sessions and supplemental feeds.

What if I have other questions? — 

If you have questions about breastfeeding or pumping, ask your doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant.

More on this topic

Patient education: When a baby is born premature (The Basics)
Patient education: What to expect in the NICU (The Basics)
Patient education: Deciding to breastfeed (The Basics)
Patient education: Breastfeeding (The Basics)
Patient education: Pumping and storing breast milk (The Basics)
Patient education: Common breastfeeding problems (The Basics)
Patient education: Health and nutrition during breastfeeding (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines and breastfeeding (The Basics)
Patient education: Caring for your newborn (The Basics)

Patient education: Breastfeeding guide (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pumping breast milk (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Common breastfeeding problems (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Health and nutrition during breastfeeding (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Weaning from breastfeeding (Beyond the Basics)