Breastfeeding a Preemie - Delray Beach,FL

Try to get a referral to a lactation consultant that deals with breastfeeding premies. Just because breastfeeding is NATURAL, doesn't make it easy, and with a premie, I'm sure there are other issues that full term babies don't have to deal with. I got shingles 3 days after having my son, and bottle fed for a week cause of medication. It screwed things up royally, but my lactation consultant helped me through it (it did take a while). I BF'd till he was 2.5 years old :) Good luck!

Hi Vanessa! My son was born at 32 weeks and also spent 6 weeks in the NICU so I totally feel you right now. It never seemed like there was time to even attempt nursing huh? And it's just so stressful having a preemie and then bringing them home.

I was able to successfully teach my son to nurse after about 6 weeks or so once we got home. Here's what I did:

-Switched to the Playtex nurser with the latex (brown) nipple. It is very soft just like the breast. It did take a bit to get him used to it because it is softer than the hospital bottle nipples he was used to. But I would make sure the milk was warm and would squirt just a tiny bit in his mouth by pushing on the drop in so he began to understand what the new nipple was for.

-I did and said exactly the same things at every nursing session. We didn't always sit in the same spot in the house but I said and did the same things.

-I took off my shirt and bra at every feeding (as long as we were home lol!) and held him just as I would if he were nursing. When it was time to stop and burp, we changed sides-again just as if he were nursing.

-Once he got good with that routine I started trying to nurse him for some feedings. And then gradually increase the number of nursings vs. bottle feedings as he got stronger and better at nursing.

He got it and he went on to nurse exclusively until he was 16 months old! I hope that offers you a bit of hope right now!

I also thing wearing baby in something like a mayawrap helps that closeness and makes baby more used to you and your scent than all that stimulus and smells that she experienced in the hospital.

Also, if you don't have some of the Medela steam clean bags for your pump parts, run, don't walk to the store and get them today! They are a life-saver and a time-saver. Just rinse everything and toss it in the bag with some water and you get steam cleaned and sanitized parts in just a couple of minutes! I wish I'd had these with my son since I pumped for about 12 weeks total. Would have made my life so much easier!

If you have any questions, feel free to message me! Good luck mom!

You are not failing! Your sweet little baby has been through a lot in such a short time.

She can tell that you are stressed about it so you need to try your best to stay calm when trying to nurse. Have you spoken with a lactation consultant? They may be able to offer some help. The problem is when you give a bottle they really don't have to work for it so she may just need some time to get used to the idea of working for her milk. You could try a medicine dropper with milk in it and drop a few drops on your breast so she will associate it with her food source.

If it continues to be stressful I say skip nursing, pump if you want to. You will not have failed her! You are wonderful great mom for trying and giving it your all :)

I had the same problem - I tried everything! The only thing that worked for my preemie, was a nipple shield. He would take the bottle and nuk, but he wouldn't breastfeed. The lactation nurse suggested I try a nipple shield - you can buy them online from medela (very cheap! only a few bucks). It's a very thin, round piece of plastic (with holes in it) that you simply set over your nipple - the baby thinks it's a bottle nipple! They come in different sizes, so be aware of what you're buying. They're washable and extremely easy! I never could've breastfed without these! (I probably sound like I sell these or something - haha - I don't! I'm just very passionate about breastfeeding and I know how much these helped me) I found a link... I hope this helps! Good Luck :)

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/breastfeedi...

Don't give up on breastfeeding! I had a very similar experience. My daughter was born early and was initially fed with an IV and then a feeding tube. Then she was bottle-fed for weeks before they let me even attempt to breastfeed her. All the time I was also pumping away! It helped me to rent a hospital grade pump until she was able to breastfeed well.

What I did when I got home was feed her first from one breast and then give her a little from the bottle, then I would do the other breast and bottle again, making sure to always finish on one of my breasts. I was told by my lactation consultant that it was important for the first and last thing in her mouth to be my breast as opposed to a bottle. Also, I used a bottle with a breast-like nipple. I used the First Years Breastflow bottles and nipples. They have to work a little harder, but it helps relieve some of the nipple confusion since they are more similar to the real thing.

I did not breastfeed exclusively until after about 5 weeks of this. On top of that I had a great deal of trouble with her latching on, but had to be patient and keep trying. I promise it will pay off and it is absolutley worth it and definitely possible.

Good luck!!! Be patient and don't give up! I promise it is worth it!

Vanessa, congratulations on the birth of your daughter!

My daughter was born 10 weeks early and by the time they let me try to breastfeed she had been bottle fed for almost 3 weeks. Bottle feeding is much easier than breastfeeding for a little one. Breastfeeding is work! What was suggested to me was to use a nursing supplementer. (A couple of name brands are Lact-Aid and Medela's SNS) The supplementers consist of a disposable bag or bottle that you fill with breast milk or formula. It hangs from a a cord you wear around your neck. The bag/bottle rests between your breasts. There is a thin tube attached to the bottom of the bag that you tape to your breast with the tubing extending about a quarter inch past your nipple. As the baby nurses, she'll get milk from you as well as the supplementer. It makes it much easier for a preemie to nurse. As she grows and gets stronger you won't need the supplementer anymore.

You are not failing as a mom! I've been there and I know what you are feeling. You are not failing! Best of luck!

Maybe you shouldn't have let them bottle feed so much in the NICU?
My baby was 8 weeks early too - was in NICU for 3.5 weeks.
While we were in the NICU , the nurses always asked M. if I planned on breastfeeding or bottle feeding. I started breastfeeding when he was couple days old, he wouldn't take much initially.He was the one who had shown interest to breastfeed, so I had my hopes high.The nurses told M. he did very well at breast but since he didn't yet have the strength ,he wasn't getting his complete feeding yet. Half an hour was the limit as they didn't want to tire him out. Many nurses suggested that I try giving a bottle as drinking from the bottle is so much easier and that way I can take him home early.I somehow never agreed to that. I let them give him 1 bottle for his midnite feeding , and they told M. he still does better at breast. After we came home, I was asked to give 1-2 bottles everyday with fortified breastmilk for few days. I think he never had the nipple confusion or anything - when he was hungry he drank whatever we gave him.
Did your baby have any complications while in NICU? Also what was her birth weight? Maybe she still needs to get the strength to suck and swallow. I can totally understand why you are so upset as I was very particular that I wanted to breastfeed my baby too. The whole preemie birth experience is so difficult. I say give her a bottle as she needs the nutrition. Keep trying to breastfeed but if she is not taking anything much stop after few mins so that she doesn't tire out. I have heard some babies like bottle better than breast , if that's the case what can you do?
Also, since you are pumping a lot there is a chance that when your baby sucks she is getting a lot more at once than she can handle.Does she feed a little and then stop completely? If that's the case , either she is not getting much(weak suck) or she is getting too much.My son stops feeding if I am leaking a lot.Try hand expressing some before nursing her if you are making too much.Also don't pump for more than 10-15 mins.
Don't try too hard and don't give up either. Give her some time, hopefully she will get a hang of it. If not, don't feel too bad about giving her the bottle.It's still pumped breastmilk, so she is getting all that she should from you.Try to be calm and relaxed before feeding too, even though they are so small they always know when you are upset and that's why she gets cranky.Beleive M. your state of mind makes a lot of difference for her.

Vanessa,
Congratulations on your new baby!
My 2nd son was born a month early & spent a few days in the NICU (due to fluid in his lungs b/c he was a c-section) & of course they tube fed him first, then bottle fed him. I didnt want them to, but he had to eat & I couldnt be there around the clock. He transitioned well to breastfeeding. But I think that was b/c he only got bottles for a few days.
But my oldest son had a really hard time nursing b/c he was tongue tied & couldnt latch onto my boob. I was like you, determined to nurse him. So I would pump my milk & then syringe feed it to him. I did this until I could get to a lactation consultant who helped me figure out what was going on & why he wasnt latching. I have so much faith in lactation consultants.
Contact your hospital & make an appt with one. And keep trying....dont give up. It sounds like you are like me, very persistent with this. I bet you'll win!
Good Luck!
H.

You are NOT failing her as a mom!! Some children just don't take to breast feeding and in her case, she has had a lot going on in her little time here on earth......so, just be happy that she is taking the breast milk either way.......

You crying while trying to feed her is not a good thing.......you need to be calm and soothing. So if breast feeding is causing you both this much of an issue, I would say stay with the bottle......I know there are people out there who think I am wrong, but you need to make this easy on you both........and it sounds like you have given it a great try.......

Good Luck and take care and Congrats on your precious little daughter.

You need to find a feeding specilaist or speech pathologist who can help with her SSB reflex (suck, swallow, breathe). When taking a bottle it keeps the child in panic because they can only suck two-3 times before they swallow. They have to fight not to drown. The nipple goes to the middle of their mouth. With breastfeeding, the nipple has to go to the back of their mouth and they can suck about 7 times before they have to swallow keeping them nice and regulated. If this is not fixed immediately, it can lead to sensory, self reg problems later on. You can do exercises in her mouth/lips closure and tongue. Hopefully someone can help you where you live. If not, I can send you to someone in Broward.

You are not failing as a mother. You are doing your very best for your child and I applaud you for that. You have had a few hiccups along the way, but you keep trying.

First, if you have not already done so, get in contact with a lactation specialist.

Second, when baby isn't too hungary, place her skin to skin (have her in diaper only) on the middle your chest with your breasts bare and speak soothingly to her. Make sure the room is warm, or you have a blanket to cover her. Let her explore your body. Skin to skin contact is very important for babies. As she starts to get hungary, she will likely start rooting around, searching for the breast. Let her explore and find your nipple.

If she gets upset, sooth her, let her suckle on you finger if it helps...but most babies have a hard time latching when they are too upset. When she calms down, you can start again. It is important to start this before she gets too hungary.

You can help guide her to the breast if you like, keeping her skin to skin, her belly to your belly and helping her to fine your nipple.

Again, a lactation consultant will help alot.

Take a deep breath. You can do this, and she can do this. It may take time...it is something that is learned; not automatic. But each of you have instincts to help guide you in learning this.

It took me three weeks to get good consistant feedings with my son, I do understand. Hang in there. As long as she is filling her diapers and she is gaining weight, it is all good.

You may also want to start letting her pacify on you...if you are using a pacifier, let her nurse to pacify for awhile, instead of the pacifier.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Contact the local La Leche League asap!
Yes, it can be sad and frustrating but you are trying and not giving up which is awesome! Keep up your good work and remember there is nothing wrong with seeking the help of an expert.
Congrats on your new bundle of joy!

dear vanessa
you are a great mom!!! just for trying & asking for help makes you that!!! I had a girlfriend who's lil girl was born very early too....she had some other problems too (medically) her mouth wasn't strong enough to suckel the milk out off the breast. her mom kept trying it though & pumped as well putting it in the bottle also. ____@____.com she was only nursing!!! no more bottles...she said she would try to nurse her when she wasn't so hungry that she was already crying. she would start 30min before her normal time to eat...letting her daughter get use to latching & even kinda playing some as a comfort thing. but she then began to latch & suck, you may want to try that. but pls know, you are not failing your daughter!!! you are trying everything you can, to give her the best milk ever!! you are a great mom!!! may god bless you!! good luck...J. j

Hi Vanessa, my middle son was born at 25 weeks, 1 lb 11 oz, I was not even allowed to take him out of his isolet until he was 2 lbs, which was a great day! Meanwhile, we had an outstanding lactation specialist at the NICU (my husband called her the Breast Police, cause if we got below a certain number of containers of BM in the NICU freezer she would be on the phone!) I rented a fantastic pump from the hospital, it was NOT covered by our health insurance, but it was SO VERY much better than any pump I had ever used....

The hospital was very nursing friendly, I even brought in a bottle of wine to have a nip while I was holding my son and pumping in the NICU. He was fed BM through a tube while I tried to hold the pacifier in his mouth to develop those sucking muscles. It was not easy, I also had an 20 month old toddler.

We pretty much lived at the hospital. A staff member would amuse my older son while I pumped, drank wine, rocked the preemie with a binky in his mouth.

I pumped at home 'on demand' as if I had a baby to nurse. I didn't work so I had the time and the inclination to do it, it WAS a lot of work.

He only was just learning to latch about a week before he came home three months later, at4 lbs.

They were concerned with growth, so they suggest Alimentum as a supplement to BM since he'd been taking a bottle well, I mixed it half BM half Alimentum (sewer water my husband called it, awful stuff!).

I WAS able to nurse him (though not exclusively) until he was about 8 months old (5 months gestationly)....
I had TONS of support though and all the time in the world to make it work.
Most important thing was really he had BM from his tube and nothing else. And that he was getting bigger making progress.

My other two children were exclusively nursed so I was determined to make it happen.

He is now a normal healthy 16 yo junior in high school and frankly the very LAST thing on my mind is whether or not he was BF or bottle fed.

You bond with her feeding from your breast or a bottle, the important thing for her is your intense mom love and closeness.

Please don't beat yourself up if you cannot exclusively BF. I admire you for even trying!

Good luck and congratulations!!! Hope this helps!

The nipple shield was a lifesaver for my preemie son...be careful, they may like it so well they won't breastfeed without it.

Note that the "size" of the shield has nothing to do with your nipple size...Ask a lactation person for help selecting the right size.

Good luck!