Breastfeeding a preemie?

[jaib17]

Hi everyone. Right now I'm at 34 weeks, however last week during my routine check up my OB determined that I'm 1 cm dilated and at the time was contracting every 2 minutes. It's been about a week since I had the steroid shots for the baby's lungs and I've been on semi-bedrest at home ever since. I know that 34 weeks is pretty good, but I'm still super-scared that I could go into labor at any minute. Aside from all the other potential health issues that accompany preterm birth I'm concerned about whether or not it will still be possible to breastfeed. I breastfed my first child and I had planned to do the same with baby#2, but I've heard that there are often difficulties feeding preemies. Does anyone have any experience with this? How did you handle it? Was it successful?

[Cassagc]

I haven't personally had this issue however one of my best friends did. The nurses had her pumping every few hours just like a baby would feed. They supplemented her milk, since she wasn't far enough along to really produce much, with donated breast milk. They also tried to nurse the babies before every feeding and would bottle feed them in the same postion as you would hold them nursing.

I'm not sure if this will work for you as she was only 31 wks and had twins but it's something to talk to your doctor about.

[jaib17]

Thanks, that's good to know.

[lena241]

I am currently breastfeeding my DD. Although she is not a preemie, I myself have been hospitalized 2 times since her birth 2 months ago, for a week each time. I have also returned to work fulltime. I was able to pump the entire time I was in the hospital and also pump while at work. I send the breastmilk home for her to be fed with a bottle. Although we would all love to be able to have our babies at the breast to breastfeed, it isnt always possible. My daughter receives breastmilk through the bottle and it is just as beneficial. Now, I have read that sometimes in premature delivery, the milk production is delayed and formula needs to be supplemented for a little while. I also read that you can immediately help your milk production after birth by starting to pump as soon as you can after delivery. You may get nothing at 1st, but the pumping action stimulates your milk production just as a nursing infant would. Most babies transition to breastmilk just fine after formula is used, so dont let people tell you otherwise. Your ability to breastfeed your preemie is going to depend on your dedication to breastfeeding. You can find all of the above information as well as additional useful information by clicking on the following link: http://www.lllusa.org/

Hope this helps

[mommy2boftwins]

I gave birth to twins at 29 weeks. I had a hard time getting my milk to come in because I was so early. I was also under a lot of stress because of my babies being in NICU and I also had pregnancy induced high blood pressure and toximia. It is important to start pumping/breastfeeding as soon as you can once the baby is born. Just remember, some women just don't make a lot of milk so if that happens don't be upset, it just happens to some of us. I think that your milk will come in just fine, you are far enough along that your body should be preparing right about now. Congrats on your up coming blessing.

[avasmommy2008]

i tried to breast feed but was so unstable after delivery that we pumped and gave it to her in a playtex drop in bottle.

[morningstar]

Have no fear! I breastfed my first baby, born at 35 weeks. The annoying part was most of the nurses said it was protocol to bottlefeed with formula, or supplement with sugar water if the baby wouldn't nurse every two hours, or within a certain time limit. I didn't allow any bottles in the first 6 weeks because I heard horror stories of nipple confusion. Finally after two days of not nursing, I was very engorged, and one nurse suggested that I pump and we "finger" feed her. After one feeding, she perked right up, had her fill, and then went back to sleep. It took a week to try to get her to nurse. I pumped at each feeding, pumping only what she ate during the feeding to keep my milk supply steady. My daughter was 5lbs 2oz when we took her home, and at one month, she was almost 9lbs! I would have loved to have showed her off to the nurses who told me I had to bottlefeed! Definitely get in contact with a lactation consultant at the hospital and contact your local La Leche League group to find out more about finger feeding!

[sarahflores]

I had my son in march at 28 weeks. Preemies do somtimes take a little more time to learn how to breastfeed or even bottle feed, but they do eventually catch on. If your baby isn't able to breastfeed right away you can still pump your milk until your baby is ready.

[AllBlueZoo]

YES!!! You can. My son was born at 35 weeks and had the steroid shots. I was alowed to offer him my breast before he was taken to the nursery. Once he was put in NICU i was pumping and it was being given to him via a bottle, but the most important thing was it was my milk. At threes old, We were back to nursing normal.

[mamatiff]

My son was born at 32 weeks and didn't have a sucking reflex when he was born. He was in the Nicu for 3 weeks and came home on o2 and a heart monitor. He was very healthy other than acid reflux which is common. However whether you actually breastfeed or pump your baby needs your milk. It will help prevent health problems, such as frequent respiratory infections and ear infections and other common childhood issues. My son is 13 months now and has only had 2 ear infections and a cold. My nephew however, though 2weeks earlier than my son, was sick several times but was not breastfed. Being that you are 34 weeks I doubt you will have too many problems but if you do and are determined to breastfeed, keep trying at every feeding, your baby will get the hang of it. The problem I had with my son was my milk dried up after 4 weeks.
Hope this helps.
Mammatiff