Breastfeeding a Preterm Baby: My Journey of Struggles and Triumphs
The birth of my baby at 28 weeks gestation was nothing short of a rollercoaster. The moment he was born, he was immediately taken to the NICU, and I was left feeling both helpless and worried. For the first few days, he was given artificial nutrients to sustain him. Then, on the fifth day, the doctor approached me with exciting news: he would be given my milk for the very first time. I was overjoyed at the thought of my baby receiving the nourishment I had longed to provide. However, there was a catch—the milk had to be pumped and fed to him through a tube, not directly from my breast.
At first, I was frustrated. I had imagined breastfeeding my baby, holding him close, and bonding through the act of feeding, but instead, I was faced with pumping and tube feeding. Still, the doctor reassured me, telling me that this was a good first step.
The Emotional and Physical Challenges of Pumping for a Preemie
Pumping became my new reality. I had to pump every two to three hours to establish and maintain my milk supply. The hospital’s lactation consultant was incredibly supportive, guiding me through the process and ensuring I had access to a hospital-grade pump. I remember setting alarms throughout the night, waking up exhausted but determined to provide my baby with the best possible nutrition.
One of the hardest parts of exclusively pumping was the emotional toll it took on me. I longed for skin-to-skin contact while feeding him. Instead, I had to sit in the pumping room, attached to a machine, feeling disconnected. There were times I doubted myself, wondering if I could keep up with the demand. But every drop of milk felt like a victory.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk is highly beneficial for preemies, reducing the risk of infections, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and other complications (source). Knowing this, I found strength in my commitment to continue providing milk for my little one.
Kangaroo Care: Strengthening Our Bond
Despite not being able to breastfeed right away, I was encouraged to practice kangaroo care, a method where I held my baby skin-to-skin on my chest. This not only helped regulate his temperature and breathing but also boosted my milk supply.
The first time I held him against my skin, I felt a deep connection that words cannot describe. His tiny body, no bigger than my hand, relaxed against me, and I could feel his heartbeat. That moment gave me hope that one day, we would transition to direct breastfeeding.
Research shows that kangaroo care improves breastfeeding success rates in preemies by helping them develop stronger sucking reflexes (source). The NICU nurses encouraged me to continue this practice daily, and it became our special bonding time.
The Transition from Tube Feeding to Breastfeeding
After weeks of tube feeding, my baby started showing signs of readiness for breastfeeding. The NICU team assessed his ability to suck, swallow, and breathe simultaneously. This was a major milestone for us!
The first attempts were difficult. He would latch for a few seconds and then tire out quickly. I had to be patient, understanding that preemies require more time to develop the coordination needed for breastfeeding. To support him, the doctors introduced non-nutritive sucking, where he practiced latching onto my breast after tube feeds.
With time, he became stronger. Each session, he would latch a little longer, and my confidence grew. The lactation consultant recommended the use of a nipple shield to help him maintain suction, and this proved to be incredibly helpful.
Overcoming Low Milk Supply and Supplementation
One of my biggest struggles was maintaining my milk supply. Since my baby wasn’t nursing directly at first, my body sometimes struggled to produce enough milk. To combat this, I:
- Increased skin-to-skin time
- Pumped on a strict schedule, even at night
- Drank plenty of fluids and ate a balanced diet
- Took lactation-supporting supplements like fenugreek and oats
Despite my best efforts, there were times when I needed to supplement with donor milk or preemie formula. It was a tough decision, but I reminded myself that fed is best. The goal was to ensure my baby received the nutrition he needed to grow and thrive.
The Joy of Exclusive Breastfeeding
After weeks of practice, one day it just clicked—he latched on and nursed for several minutes without tiring. I was overwhelmed with joy. It had taken months of hard work, but we had finally achieved exclusive breastfeeding. It felt like one of the greatest triumphs of my motherhood journey.
As I look back, I realize that breastfeeding a preemie requires an incredible amount of patience, perseverance, and support. It wasn’t the journey I had envisioned, but in many ways, it was even more rewarding.
For other preemie moms out there, my advice is this: trust the process, seek support, and be kind to yourself. Every drop of milk you provide is a gift, and every feeding—whether through a tube, bottle, or breast—is a step toward success.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding a preemie is not easy, but it is absolutely possible with determination and the right support system. Whether you are exclusively pumping, supplementing, or working towards direct breastfeeding, know that you are doing an incredible job.
If you’re looking for more guidance on caring for a premature baby, check out this article on Preemie Care Tips.
