FEEDING PRETERM NEWBORNS - Porodnice U Apolináře

The importance of breast milk for a preterm infant

Breast milk contains a range of immunological and anti-inflammatory factors that help the baby defend against infections.

The baby receives ready-made antibodies against bacteria and viruses present in your body.
Preterm infants fed with breast milk are less likely to develop the feared intestinal inflammation.
Breast milk contains most of the important hormones and growth factors that positively affect the baby’s body.

Nutrition of preterm infants

As soon as possible after birth, we give the baby small amounts of colostrum to prepare the digestive system for its future function. Colostrum is easily digestible, high in calories, and rich in proteins, vitamins, and immune factors. From the 5th to 8th day, colostrum begins to transition into mature breast milk.

METHODS OF FEEDING WITH BREAST MILK

The first drops of colostrum can be expressed with the help of a lactation consultant as soon as possible after birth. Your baby receives them in the mouth as one of the first greetings from the mother.

During your stay in the ward, the lactation consultant or attending staff will introduce you to additional feeding methods tailored to your baby. Rest assured in their care—they will guide you throughout your stay, helping you find the most suitable feeding techniques and positions, and advise you on how to care for yourself and your breasts to maintain lactation, even if alternative feeding methods are used until your baby can suckle from the breast.

Our shared goal is a content and breastfed baby.

AFTER GOING HOME

If, after going home with your baby, you want to make sure you are breastfeeding correctly, or if any problems arise that you don’t know how to handle, be sure to contact our lactation consultancy.

Ways to Breastfeed a Premature Baby

Dear Mom, your baby was born prematurely.

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