Can premature babies breastfeed?
Yes. Premature babies can breastfeed. Below is a list of signs that a premature infant is getting ready: • Can be held without changes in heart rate, oxygen, or temperature. • Takes a pacifier or sucks on feeding tube • Is 32-34 weeks gestational age • Is able to stay awake for several minutes at a time • Allows mouth to be touched • Tries to root or suck when anything comes near the mouth. Premature babies go through several steps before they are able to get enough milk at the breast: • Being held next to mom’s warm skin and listening to her heart helps the baby get ready for breastfeeding. This is called “kangaroo care” • The next step is to let the baby practice on an almost empty breast. This is called “non-nutritive nursing”. Mom pumps right before putting baby to breast. This empties most (but not all) of the milk. The baby can practice, but not swallow much milk. • Non-nutritive nursing gives the mom time to learn how to put the baby to the breast and how to latch the baby on. M
