Can i breastfeed while my baby is in the nicu?

Yes: As long as your baby has a good suck and can latch on well during their nicu stay, the nurses and doctors can help you breastfeed your baby.

Yes: Breastmilk is great for all babies, but premature babies especially need the added immunity and antibodies transferred via breastmilk. Sometimes they are too young to have a coordinated suck at the breast and need to be syringe fed- but you can still pump and give them the breastmilk. Talk to your nicu and let them know you would like to nurse as soon as possible. It is important bonding time.

Typically: They will want you to pump and use your milk if the the child cannot be nursed.

Nutrition: Most NICUs will encourage breastfeeding in the NICU, and may help you to store the milk for use in the NICU. This is a very good formula for the baby and your neonatologist may add supplemental calories to boost calories.