Giving breast milk to your baby while they’re in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be challenging, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for their health. Breast milk provides many benefits for premature or sick babies, including protection against infections and improved digestion. Below, we explore a few tips for feeding breast milk to your NICU baby, whether you can latch or not.
The Benefits of Breast Milk for NICU Babies
Many people refer to breast milk as “liquid gold” for a reason. It contains antibodies that can help protect your baby against infections and illnesses. Breast milk is also easier to digest compared with formula, which can be a huge benefit for babies who may have digestive issues or underdeveloped intestinal organs.
Establish Your Milk Supply
If your baby is born prematurely or has health issues that require them to stay in the NICU, you may worry about establishing and maintaining your milk supply. However, breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis. The more your baby nurses or you pump, the more milk your body will produce. Once you begin expressing the first milk, also known as colostrum, the body will naturally begin the means to produce mature milk or breast milk.
Work With NICU Staff
Work closely with the NICU staff. They may have specific guidelines or protocols in place for handling and storing breast milk, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully. They may also be able to provide you with a hospital-grade pump or other equipment for pumping when you go home for the night or cannot get the baby latched. Sometimes, NICU babies use feeding tubes that nurses administer your breast milk through, and you may need the staff to assist in these efforts.
Focus on Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is one of the key breastfeeding strategies for preterm babies. This practice involves holding your baby skin-to-skin against your chest, which has numerous benefits for both you and your baby. It can help regulate your baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, as well as promote bonding and breastfeeding.
Be Patient With Your Baby
Breastfeeding in the NICU may not always go as smoothly as planned. Premature or sick babies may have difficulty latching onto the breast or feeding efficiently. In these cases, be patient and work with the NICU staff and a lactation consultant to find solutions that work for you and your baby.
Take Care of Yourself
One of the best tips for feeding your NICU baby breast milk is to take care of yourself enough. Feeding your baby in the NICU can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. Proper self-care helps ensure ample milk supply and helps you avoid exhaustion, mental fatigue, and burnout.
Nourishment is particularly critical during this time. Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest can help. Also, continue to rely on and trust the NICU staff to do their job in supporting you and your sweet miracle.
