Preterm birth is defined as babies born alive before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy. Because the organ systems of premature babies are not fully developed,  they have weaker immune systems and need intensive care.

Breast milk is the best  to meet the nutritional needs of premature babies. It is critical for the baby’s growth and development, as well as for the baby’s immunity. However, there are difficulties associated with breastfeeding premature babies:

1.A baby born before 36 weeks may not fully develop the reflexes for breastfeeding (sucking, swallowing, breathing coordination).

2.A premature baby that needs to spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may not be able to breastfeed directly.
 

These difficulties can make breastfeeding a premature baby challenging, but it is important that the baby gets the nutrients and benefits from breast milk. Here are some strategies to feed premature babies:

1.Doctor will encourage a mother to express breast milk soon after the baby is born (within 1 hour if possible)

2.Consistently pump breast milk (every 2-4 hours) to maintain milk supply.

3.The mother needs to avoid stress and have enough rest to get enough breast milk supply. Don’t hesitant to seek help from the midwives, nurse or the hospital’s lactation consultant if needed.

4.Give breast milk gradually, start from 10 mL/kg body weight per day, and increase according the baby’s tolerance to up to 25 mL/kg body weight per day. Once that volume is achieved and if the baby shows good tolerance to the change, gradually increase the breast milk volume to 150 mL/kg body weight per day.