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YES! YOU CAN BREASTFEED YOUR PREEMIE
The following guidelines were provided by
Johanna Berger, LSW
Breastfeeding Counselor
610-668-7995
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You will need to express breastmilk for your premature baby until he/she is not only ready for feedings at the breast but is also transferring milk at a desirable rate.
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WHY YOU SHOULD BREASTFEED
- Breastmilk feeding reduces the risk of NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis). NEC destroys the baby's gut, this results in longer hospitalization while gut heals.
- Breastfeeding is easier for baby than bottle-feeding. Oxygen levels are more stable and baby uses less energy while breastfeeding. Babies can breastfeed before bottle-feeding.
- Breastfeeding reduces risk and severity of infection.
- Premature babies given breastmilk usually leave the hospital earlier than formula fed babies.
- Breastfeeding is better for mom. Mom will heal faster after birth. Breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis and diabetes.
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WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- A hospital grade breast pump. You can rent these either from the hospital, some pharmacy/medical equipment stores or an individual who rents pumps. You will rent a Lactina breast pump. While other pumps are excellent, they are not made to be a total substitute for the baby on a long term basis.
- A pair of breasts (one will do).
- Milk storage containers. The hospital should provide you with sterile containers to collect your milk. These might be bottles of sterile water which you will empty before pumping or volu-feeds (small bottles).
- Labels. The hospital will provide you with labels with your baby's information on them. You will need to write the date and time you pumped the milk and any medications you are taking on the label.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
- Rinse breasts in shower or bath once a day. You do not have to wash them.
- Wash hands well with soap and water before you begin to pump.
- Find a comfortable place. Designate an area of your home as a pumping "station." If you can use the same place every time, it might be easier for you.
- Massage your breast.
- Begin pumping. You need to pump for at least 15 minutes on each side to begin to establish a good milk supply. Once milk starts to flow, pump for 2 minutes after you see the last drop come out. This stimulation helps your body to establish a good milk supply. (Remember, your baby is going to come home and need a good supply.)
- You will need to pump your milk 10-12 times every 24 hours. This is how your baby would feed if he/she were full term. It is important to remember that many caring people will encourage you to get your sleep at night while the baby is in the hospital. Unfortunatelly, not pumping at least once a night will cause a decrease in your milk supply.
- After pumping, place milk in the back of the refrigerator. Or, if it will be used within an hour, it can be left out.
- Clean all equipment except tubing with hot soapy water and rinse well. Let air dry. Once a day, all parts need to be sterilized either by boiling for 20 minutes or in the dishwasher.
- When you go to visit your baby, make sure to take your pumping kit (flanges and tubing) with you. You can pump your milk there. It will save you time and you can be with your baby the whole time!
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MILK STORAGE GUIDELINES FOR NICU
Room Temperature 66-72 degrees / 1 Hour
Refrigerator 32-39 degrees / 2 days
Freezer inside refrigerator / 2 weeks
Self-defrosting freezer, separate / 3-4 months
Separate deep freezer(below zero degrees) / 6+ months
YOUR BABY SHOULD BE FED FRESH MILK IF POSSIBLE. IF NOT POSSIBLE, THEN FROZEN MILK . Make sure to instruct the NICU staff to feed your baby the fresh milk first. Make sure they are aware that the milk you bring in every day is for that day's feedings.
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