A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 54
Feeding your premature or sick baby
It’s important to acknowledge that however you choose to feed your baby,
you will be supported by hospital staff. There are numerous reasons why
mothers are unable to breastfeed. Donor breast milk (dependant on your
baby’s needs and policies of the unit may be available) or formulas are
appropriate substitutes if breastfeeding is not possible.
Breast milk:
• Provides antibodies that protect your baby against bacteria
and viruses;
• Boosts your baby’s immune system;
• Reduces the risk of serious infections;
• Provides nutrients, growth factors and hormones that help
your baby develop; and
• Is very easy to digest and is absorbed more easily than formula milk.
Pre-term babies have different nutritional needs than full-term babies.
Their digestive system is less mature and they may need time to develop
their sucking ability. There are a few different ways in which your baby
may receive nutrition in the nursery. The NICU/SCN will discuss with you
what is best for your baby. The method will depend on your baby’s stage of
development and overall health.
Enteral nutrition (EN)
Some babies in the NICU/SCN will require enteral feeding (EN) or
Most new
tube feeding. The feeding tube is passed through your baby’s
mums need
nose (a nasogastric tube) or their mouth (an orogastric tube)
some help to get
into their stomach. The milk is placed in a syringe attached
breastfeeding
to the outside end of the tube. Feeding practices vary across
off to a good
start.
hospitals and feeds may be given every hour, or every two,
three or four hours, depending on how big your baby is and how
well their feeds are being tolerated. Some babies receive their
feeds through a pump.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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