Premature babies benefit from mother's milk.
If your baby arrives early, he or she may need to stay in the hospital for a few weeks or even months. Your baby may be too weak or have other problems which can prevent nursing in the beginning. Fortunately, you can still provide the best nutrition and health protection to your baby through your milk.
Pumping your milk serves two important purposes during the time when your baby may be tube fed. First, your baby can receive your colostrum, and later, your milk is more plentiful through tube feeding. This is very beneficial to your baby because your milk contains immunoglobins which help fight illness and infection. Second, your milk supply will be established for when it is time to nurse your baby on the breast.
Many premature babies need partial isolation from the outside world. Even if your baby spends most of his time in a special bassinet, in most cases, you are still allowed to touch and stroke your baby. This is important during tube feeding and will produce a bond and association between you and your baby. In the later weeks, just before baby is allowed to go home, you may be able to hold your baby in a nursing position while tube feeding.
Your baby will be allowed to nurse before he goes home. This is a special time for mother and baby, a sort of "first meeting" at the breast. Remember that your baby may still be weak and may need to take his time when learning this new feeding process. He may only suck for a few seconds or minutes in the beginning, but you should see this as progress. Artificial nipples are actually harder for a premature baby to handle, so keep in mind that your breast is still best for him, even when frustration sets in.
If your baby is really having a hard time, ask to feed him through a syringe or tiny tube while at the breast. The more your baby associates feeding with your breast, the easier it will be to coax him to take your nipple. Remember that the nursing relationship takes time to build.
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