Is Breastfeeding Impossible for Preterm Babies? This Is What Gynaecologist Said

Premature delivery means the babies are born into the world of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs), medical procedures, and emergency care. In this chaos, one question that keeps playing in the mind of a new mother is: Will I be able to breastfeed my preterm baby

Breastfeeding a preterm baby is not just challenging but also takes an emotional toll on the mother. However, experts consider that with the right guidance and techniques, lactation is completely possible. Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar, a gynaecologist and obstetrician associated with multiple hospitals in Mumbai, underlined why breastfeeding is more difficult for the preterm baby and the techniques that help.

Why Breastfeeding Is More Difficult for the Preterm Baby

Studies suggest that breastfeeding a premature baby is challenging due to underdeveloped reflexes such as sucking, swallowing, or breathing, but with the right technique, it can be possible.

Discussing the difficulties, Dr Gandhali Deorukhkar explained that most of the challenges in breastfeeding stem from the fact that premature babies are not well-prepared for the complex coordination required for breastfeeding. “A preterm baby has inadequate neurological maturity and muscular strength to provide a coordinated rhythm of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Their digestive systems are more sensitive; hence, feeding is slow and closely monitored,” she mentioned.

According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, compared to the breastmilk of mothers with term babies, the milk of mothers with premature babies contains higher sodium, chloride, protein and fat content. It also has many immune factors that protect these tiny babies.

Techniques that Help Mothers to Breastfeed Premature Babies

NICU personnel systematically assist mothers in the step-by-step initiation of breastfeeding. Dr Deorukhkar shared, “Methods such as skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo mother care help stimulate lactation and enhance natural feeding reflexes in a baby.”

The mothers may be advised to frequently pump and store their milk using hospital-grade breast pumps so that the babies can have breast milk even when direct feeding is impossible.

Dr Deorukhkar highlights how modern techniques have made it possible for preterm babies to get breast milk. “Cup feeding, syringe feeding, or paced bottle feeding are some modern techniques that can be utilised with the guidance of nurses as a means of gradually training the infant for eventual breastfeeding.”

Also Read: Can Breastfeeding Save Children from Pneumonia? Here Is What an Expert Says

Consistent pumping, with early skin-to-skin bonding and guided feeding techniques, tends to increase the chances of successfully breastfeeding preterm babies.

Dr Deorukhkar also discussed how lactation consultants and NICU nurses play an invaluable role in this whole situation. “NICU Staff assist mothers with pump use, latching strategies, milk expression schedules, and transitioning to direct breastfeeding from expressed milk.”

Why Breast Milk Is Important For Preterm Babies

Breastfeeding is necessary for both premature and mature babies, as well as for the health of the mother.

Discussing the advantages of breast milk for premature babies, Dr Deorukhkar said, “Breast milk contains extra antibodies, enzymes, and nutrients that grant immunity to underdeveloped organs. For preterm babies, breast milk is almost like medicine; it protects them from complications they are particularly prone to, such as infections and digestive issues.”

Also Read: How Long Should a Mother Breastfeed? Understanding the Ideal Duration

Dr Deorukhkar further stated that the most significant advantage of breast milk for an immature baby is that it lowers the risk of necrotising enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disorder mainly affecting babies who are born premature.

Is Donor Milk a Safe Alternative?

Donor human milk is considered a highly reliable and safe alternative when mothers have delayed milk production, which is quite common in the case of preterm deliveries. These days, hospital keeps a milk bank to fulfil the breast milk demand for the preterm babies.

Dr Deorukhkar noted, “Milk banks always pasteurise and test the milk from donors for safety. This way, preterm babies can be given human milk until their mother can establish her own supply, providing nutrition and protection during that vital phase.”

Bottomline

Breastfeeding a preterm baby is challenging but far from impossible. Given early intervention, sensitive NICU support, techniques such as pumping and kangaroo care, and the option of donor milk, most preterm babies can successfully transition to breastfeeding, thus giving them the healthiest possible start in life.