We encourage breastfeeding for all babies, and feel that it is especially beneficial for those who are premature or sick. You may pump your milk, which can then be stored in a freezer in the ICN (NICU). Even if your baby cannot breastfeed directly, breast milk can be used for bottle or tube feedings. Frequently, premature babies need more calories and minerals than are provided by breast milk, so fortification of the milk and/or supplemental formula feedings may be necessary.

Of course! Breast size is not related to the ability to produce milk for a baby. Breast size is determined by the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, not by the amount of milk-producing tissue. Most women, with all sizes of breasts, can make enough milk for their babies.

Yes, you can, though you may never establish a full milk supply. If you want to avoid giving baby bottles, you can use an SNS. Definately seek the advice of an IBCLC when trying to establish milk for an adopted baby and also for proper use of an SNS.

An infected pregnant woman can transmit HIV on to her unborn baby either before or during birth. HIV can also be passed on during breastfeeding. If a woman knows that she is infected with HIV, there are drugs that she can take to greatly reduce the chances of her child becoming infected, as well as other options such as choosing to have a caesarean section delivery and not breastfeeding, as HIV is found in breast milk.

You can introduce a bottle at three to four weeks--preferably not sooner. Even then, it should be a bottle of breastmilk, not formula. It is actually best if someone other than the mother gives bottles. In the meantime, there are many loving ways your partner and family can help with the baby, besides feeding.

Breastmilk is especially important for premature babies, who need it to help their brains and eyes develop, as well as to prevent infections. However, a very early baby may have a hard time learning to suckle. If your baby was born before 34 weeks (6 weeks early), she will need to be fed in the hospital by a special feeding tube. In this case, you should pump as soon as possible, at least 8 times a day, to establish your milk supply, and maintain it until your baby is big enough to suckle.

If you are breastfeeding your baby, there is no need to go strictly according to time. You feed your baby when he demands it or when he seems to be hungry. At the beginning, feeding times for your baby can be quite haphazard and unpredictable. Your baby may require feeds as frequently as two to three hourly. He will soon develop a routine and you will develop a supply which will be able to satisfy his needs. So by about one month, he should be able to settle down to six to eight feeds a day.

Yes, there are several places throughout the CDL where you can breastfeed your baby. Talk to the Blue Door teachers for more information.

When a baby is born its stomach is the size of a golf ball and because ALL of the nutrients in breastmilk are used by the baby, he should be eating 8-12 times in a 24 hour period. As he gets older he will become more efficient at breastfeeding and might be able to go longer periods between feedings.

No harmful effects have been reported and you should feel free to breastfeed your baby after taking plan B. If you are at all worried, feed the baby first then take the pills after. This way you will be taking the pills well before the next feed. Alternatively, give a bottle for the next feed.

Yes, bonding does not only happen during feedings. Your SO can bond with your baby by cuddling and talking to the baby. As well as many other activities such as dancing, rocking or snuggling. You can also express milk for your SO to feed to your baby.

soon as the baby is born, the doctor will hand her to you. Hold the naked baby against your chest for direct skin-to-skin contact. Depending upon the temperature in the delivery room, both of you will be covered lightly with a sheet, with or without a blanket. Most babies, especially those whose mothers have not been doped, are alert for about 40 minutes to an hour after delivery. Take advantage of this period. Try to see if she might be interested in breastfeeding right away.

There is no evidence that hepatitis C can be spread from mother to child through breastfeeding. However, if you are undergoing treatment for hepatitis C, the drugs you are taking may not be safe during breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if it's safe for you to continue breastfeeding while you are being treated.

Parents of a small premature or sick infant may have feelings of helplessness, since their baby's needs are complex and the technology used in the ICN (NICU) can seem intimidating. Parents naturally want to be the primary care providers, so it can be frustrating when infants in the ICN need the specialized care of the medical and nursing staff. The ICN staff understands the feelings that parents may have, and knows that it is essential to involve parents as much as possible.

Answer: No, unless there are special circumstances. If you have severe sleep apnea that requires use of high levels of CPAP at home, you may be on the ventilator when you wake up, but you'd come off the ventilator, of course, as soon as possible.

Some premature babies cannot breath on their own or need help to breath. These can deliver oxygen and air at the same time. Normally these machines can monitor the babies natural breathing and then force the baby to breath when needed. There is a vast range of these. These are used to help support the babies breathing and there are various models about. These can be just "forced" air at a very low rate so that the babies lungs open properly.

Yes. Women who are group B strep positive can breastfeed safely. There are many benefits for both the mother and child.

The body manufactures specialised proteins called antibodies to fight off infections. Mothers transfer these protective antibodies to their babies through the placenta, during the last 3 months of the pregnancy. This process is interrupted when a baby is born early. For this reason premature babies are especially vulnerable to infection. The good news is that mothers also give their babies antibodies in breast milk. Breastfeeding your baby provides an extra line of defence against infection.

Transmission of herpes simplex virus to a baby requires direct contact with the virus. Neonatal herpes occurs when the baby is exposed to the virus during delivery. If your herpes infection is confined to the genital area or your face, it is safe for you to breastfeed. However, you should ensure that the baby does not come into direct contact with your lesions and you should diligently wash your hands after touching any infected area.

infected pregnant woman can pass the virus on to her unborn baby either before or during birth. HIV can also be passed on during breastfeeding. If a woman knows that she is infected with HIV, there are drugs that she can take to greatly reduce the chances of her child becoming infected, as well as other options such as choosing to have a caesarean section delivery and not breastfeeding, as HIV is found in breast milk.

Bringing your baby into bed could be risky for your baby. An adult bed usually has a soft mattress and bedding such as comforters,quilts, and pillows. If you choose to bring your baby in bed with you to breastfeed, it is safest to return your baby to his or her crib.** One way to keep your baby close to you is by having the baby's crib in the room with you.

Because breastmilk is designed for human babies it contains all the nutrients a baby's brain needs to reach its maximum potential. Researchers have studied babies who were breastfed for varying lengths of time and found that intelligence scores were higher (on average) for babies who were breastfed longer. Studies have shown that when formula or cow's milk is not introduced into the baby's diet until he is older, the baby is less likely to develop diabetes.

You can breastfeed your baby immediately after delivery, although most babies are usually not hungry until 20 minutes later, prefering instead to get warm and start breathing!

All shapes and sizes of breast make milk and almost all women can breastfeed, but sometimes it takes time to get it right. Ask your midwife, health visitor or doctor for help if you need it. Even if you had problems feeding your first baby, try again with your second. You are likely to find it much easier second time around.

Breast milk is the perfect food for infants and gives all they need for healthy growth and development. Deciding to breastfeed your baby is one of the most positive steps you can take towards ensuring that your baby is naturally healthy. Breastfeeding also provides an ongoing opportunity for you to bond with your baby. There are health benefits for mothers too, as research shows that women who breastfeed are less likely to develop ovarian cancer.