The importance of breastfeeding in premature babies
Reaching the world before the pregnancy is over is a matter very serious. The child has not finished developing inside the mother's womb and this can end up producing numerous health problems in the little one. What can parents do to save these dangers that lie in wait for the baby premature? The answer lies in breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is an activity with multiple benefits for neonates since it gives them numerous antibodies and supposes a very complete food for those ages. Positive results that multiply in the case of babies premature, who find in the breast milk a fundamental support to prevent numerous health problems.
It helps them mature
As already mentioned, the main benefit that breast milk provides to premature babies is the prevention of diseases. If in any baby receiving this food helps to keep away many health problems, in the case of these children the protection is even greater. The pediatricians explain that breastfeed to the small ones that were born before time, prevents that this one is affected by numerous intestinal diseases.
In addition, breastfeeding in preterm infants helps prevent the infections to which these children are susceptible because they were born prematurely. It also favors faster ripening, which also contributes to a shorter stay within the hospital, shortening the detention of both the mother and the baby.
How and when to breastfeed
Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding the premature baby as soon as possible. The vast majority of these babies will not have difficulties because they are able to breastfeed directly from their mother since birth and do not require any extra intake of nutrients.
On the other hand, more immature preemies will need time to grow and develop their muscles and more coordination to catch, suck, swallow and breathe. They may also require that the milk be administered through a tube that, introduced through the nose, reaches the stomach, that is, a nasogastric tube.
You can also start to instill instinct with a few drops taken from the nipple and placed in your mouth to lick and grab the nipple before.
As for the position to breastfeed, we have chosen one that favors a good control of the baby's head, holding the baby's abdomen and chin simultaneously with the same hand to facilitate suction. The rugby position, under the arm and with the child resting on a pillow, does more easy hitch. Sometimes, temporarily, the use of nipple shields that maintain the shape of the nipple can be useful, make it easier for the baby to maintain the suction seal and leave the nipple inside the mouth, without escaping and slipping off every bit.
Evolution of lactation
Little by little the mother must go betting on the instinct of suction Directly from the chest, therefore, the volume of intake administered by tube should be gradually reduced when the suction and swallowing is mature. If a greater milk supply is necessary, it can be supplied with different methods such as a bottle or syringe, always after finishing the act of breastfeeding.
Once at home, the rest of the family should contribute as much as possible to the mother's rest so that she is able to continue generating milk for the child. At the same time, we must take care of the food that the woman receives for same reasons.
Damián Montero
