A 33-year-old member asked:
How can you breastfeed a premature baby?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Danae Steeleanswered
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 33 years experience
Breastpump: Mothers of very premature babies usually start out using a breastpump, and freezing the breastmilk. Then, when the baby is doing well enough to start eating, breastmilk can be given by a tube placed in the baby's stomach through his/her mouth. When a baby is big enough and strong enough, s/he can start learning to nurse on the mother's breast.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
Premature baby can't breastfeed. Can I pump?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Edward Evansanswered
Neonatology 20 years experience
Breastmilk best.: You should discuss the best feeding regime with your pediatrician. Specific nutritional needs very by gestational age. Breastmilk is almost always useful, however premature infants may not be strong enough to exclusively take milk from the breast, in addition extra calories and nutrient may be needed to add to your expressed breastmilk. Formula may also be necessary if you do not produce enough.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 8, 2015
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