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 Struggles of Breastfeeding a Preterm Baby
I tried to express milk by hand, but after many attempts, nothing came out. It was incredibly disheartening. I kept trying for two days, and on the second day, I was able to express just 2 ml of milk. It was only a small amount, but it felt like a huge victory. This marked the beginning of my journey into the world of lactation, a journey filled with struggles, but also moments of triumph.
As days passed, I continued to pump and try to provide my baby with breast milk. I made sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet, believing that this would help with milk production. Despite my efforts, the process became increasingly difficult as my baby’s demand for milk grew. The more he needed, the harder it seemed to keep up. It felt like a constant struggle to maintain my supply, and there were days when I felt like I was failing.
The Importance of Patience and Persistence
But through it all, I learned that breastfeeding a preterm baby is not just about physical nourishment; it’s also about emotional strength, patience, and persistence. The journey was not easy, and there were moments when I wanted to give up. However, each small success, whether it was a few milliliters of milk or an encouraging word from a nurse, kept me going.
A Word of Encouragement for Other Moms
If you are a mom of a preterm baby, know that it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to feel frustrated. The process of breastfeeding or pumping milk for a preterm baby is not always linear. It requires time, patience, and a lot of self-compassion. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Your journey is unique, and each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
For me, the battle to lactate and nourish my baby was difficult, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you’re in a similar situation, remember that every drop counts and that your efforts are more than enough. Keep going, even on the hard days, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
Excerpt from my experience:
“After the birth of my 28 weeks gestation infant, when he was born, he was immediately taken into the NICU. After 5 days in the NICU with artificial nutrients, for the first time, the doctor asked me for only 2 ml of milk. I was so glad thinking that my baby would eat my milk for the first time. But the problem was that the milk had to be pumped and fed to him through a tube, not by mouth. I was frustrated, but the doctor cheered me up. I tried hand expressing to lactate milk, but there was none. I tried for two days, and on the second day, I was able to express about 2 ml for my baby. From that moment, the struggle to lactate milk began. Despite having a good weight, I tried to take a healthy and balanced diet for milk production, but lactation became more difficult as my baby’s milk consumption increased.”
This is my story, but it is also the story of many mothers who go through similar struggles when breastfeeding a preterm baby. It’s important to recognize that your journey is valid, and even small efforts add up to big wins for your baby’s health. You are doing an incredible job, and your perseverance will make a difference in your baby’s life.
If you are struggling with breastfeeding, remember, you’re not alone! Keep sharing your experiences, and let’s support each other through this journey. We are all in this together at PreemieLove.