Premature Birth Awareness Month and Breastfeeding

November is National Premature Birth Awareness Month. It is important to breastfeed your premature baby. Breastfeeding provides a good start for both, the baby and the mother. The benefits of breastfeeding that protect the baby from many diseases are especially critical for a premature baby. Breast milk provides additional protection from life-threatening conditions. Breastfeeding education and support should be provided as early as possible for moms of premature babies. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfeeding continues for at least 12 months.Why is breastfeeding mothers' milk so important for her baby? Because there are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby. Your premature baby needs his mother's milk to help protect against disease, help them grow and develop and help with his digestive system. Furthermore, antibodies in the mother's milk protect your baby from diseases and fight off infections. In fact, the milk inside the baby's intestines, help seal off tiny open parts, so germs cannot enter and make their way into the bloodstream. Breastmilk is so powerful that the components directly kill germs in the baby's system. Breastmilk is easily digested, therefore, you baby has fewer tummy problems. In fact, breastmilk is the better than formula for your baby. If you are not able to breastfeed your baby after your preemie is born, you need to begin to pump you breastfeed soon after delivery.You can use a hospital grade pump. You should try to pump 5-15 minutes every 2-3 hours on a regular basis. Many preemies have to stay for a while in the NICU. I know that one my son had to stay in the hospital NICU for three and a half weeks. I was not able to touch him. They were feeding him through a line. I pumped my breast milk around the clock and gave it to the NICU for them to give my son and when he can home, it took a week and he started to breastfeed well. I fed him over a year. So, be patient with your preemie.He has a lot of learning and catching up to do. Studies have shown that there are many other health benefits for your baby. Babies who are breastfed, have a higher IQ. Breastfeeding creates a special bond between baby and mom. It creates a time of great calmness for mom and baby. It also helps mom get back into shape faster, as she burns off calories from breastfeeding. Studies show that moms who breastfeed, miss less work. Breastfeeding also has been shown to lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers in moms. It is a special time for mom to hold her preemie and do skin to skin. Dad can also do skin to skin as well. There is no need for using bottles or have to sterilize. With the use of breastmilk, you do not have to sterilize. Additionally, it is just the right temperature for your preemie. Furthermore, breastfeeding helps the environment because there is nothing to throw away.If a mom is not able to breastfeed, a mom can consider donor milk. There are Human Milk Banks around the world. Check your hospital for information or online. Human Milk Banks in North America adhere to strict national guidelines for quality control of screening and testing of donors and pasteurize all milk before distribution. In conclusion, every mom of a preemie should gain basic knowledge about breastfeeding and understand the importance of its nutritional value. Breast milk acts as a medicine for premature babies.As shown, breastfeeding yields the benefits that last a lifetime. Lastly, breastfeeding has shown an improved development of premature babies, so please consider this as an option for your preemie baby.