Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a facility where life does not start with certainty, but with bravery. For premature or sick newborns and their mothers and families, it is a space that is full of conflicting feelings: fear, nervousness, hope, and vast love. While amidst the beeping machines, clinical procedures, and soft-spoken words, one of the most unifying gestures a mother can give her infant is her breast milk, a silent promise of strength and connection.
We spoke to Sumalatha, Lactation Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, who explained how to support breastfeeding during NICU.
"In the NICU, breastfeeding is not always easy. In fact, it’s often one of the hardest things a mother has to do, not because she doesn’t want to, but because of the physical, emotional, and medical hurdles that stand in her way," said Dr Sumalatha. And yet, it becomes one of the few tangible ways she can care for her baby in those early, fragile days. It’s her way of saying: “I’m here, I’m with you, and I will do everything I can for you.”
Why Breastfeeding is a Lifeline in the NICU
Breast milk is more than sustenance, particularly for babies battling their first breath. It's a guard against infection, packed with antibodies, enzymes, and growth factors that strengthen premature and critically ill babies, battle infection, and alleviate complications, such as NEC, sepsis, and developmental delays.
“But beyond biology, it's an emotional source of healing. For mothers torn away from their babies by wires, machines, and glass incubators, breastfeeding becomes an emotional lifeline. It provides meaning in the midst of chaos, and a holy bonding in moments when physical proximity isn't always an option,” highlighted Dr Sumalatha.
The Invisible Challenges Mothers Carry
The journey, however, is not without struggle. Mothers endure the pain of separation, the discomfort of pumping every few hours, and the weight of recovery from their own delivery complications. “The anxiety of waiting for milk to "come in," the shame of "not enough," and the yearning to hold their baby become too much to bear. Add to that the intrusion of lack of privacy, sleep deprivation, and an onslaught of emotions, and breastfeeding is a test of physical endurance, not to mention emotional endurance,” shared Dr Sumalatha.
Importance Of Team Support
In these vulnerable moments, NICU teams become more than medical professionals. From initial lactation support and hospital-grade pumps, to gentle reminders from lactation consultants and the comfort of kangaroo care, all small efforts reassure the mother: "You are not alone."
Even donor milk, when necessary, is provided with empathy and kindness so that all the babies get what they need and all the mothers feel cared for, not criticised.
A mother's support network outside the NICU is just as crucial. “A supportive word from a partner, a comforting meal from a sibling, or an assistive hand from a grandparent can support her physical and emotional burden. Having a family who knows, listens, and cares without condition can be the difference in the world to her,” advised Dr Sumalatha.
Also Read: Doctor Answers The Most Common Question Breastfeeding Mothers Ask: Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Nourishing the Mother’s Soul
It's not about feeding a baby; supporting breastfeeding in the NICU is about tending to a mother's heart. The emotional burden of this journey is real, and mothers must have time to grieve, to recover, and to be reassured that they are getting by. Kindness, emotional health support, and moments of compassion can make a huge difference in helping her reconnect with her inner strength.
Bottomline
Dr Sumalatha concluded, “In the NICU, each drop of milk is a gift, but so is each moment of patience, each word of comfort, and each hand that reaches out to hold hers. When NICU teams and families come together to support a mother, they form a sacred circle of care that sustains not only a baby's life, but a mother's soul.”
NICU breastfeeding is not a purely clinical procedure; it's an emotional odyssey of strength, love, and healing. Through the uncertainty, there is one absolute truth that stands out: love, in every way, makes all the difference.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]