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NICU BREASTFEEDING |
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Now that your baby is ready for discharge from the hospital you probably have many questions about breastfeeding at home. Most babies will take an additional 2 weeks or more to transition to exclusive breastfeeding. The lactation consultant can help you formulate a plan to help get your baby onto the breast. We recommend that you keep your rental pump until your baby has been exclusively breastfed with adequate weight gain for a week more.
- At first it may help to pump the breasts for five minutes before latching the baby on to get the flow of milk started. Latch the baby deeply onto the areola. His nose and chin should be touching the breast.
- Football or cross cradle positions are usually much more successful at first. Encourage baby to rhythmically suck for 10-20 minutes or as long as he/she is interested. Allow him to "finish", do not stop him if he is actively sucking. When he finishes, offer the second breast or supplement. It is OK if he is too tired to take the second breast.
Weaning from supplements can begin once baby is latching well and nursing actively for 10-20 minutes every feeding with lots of swallows. To wean from supplements:
- Feed baby at breast 8 to 12 times every 24 hours. (this is about every 2 to 3 hours)*
- Continue to pump after each breastfeeding to maintain or increase milk supply.
- Decrease the frequency of supplements to every 4 hours but as much as baby would like. And always after the breast. *
- After 3-7 days begin to gradually decrease the amount of supplement. If baby becomes hungry a little sooner put him to breast again. *
- If baby has less than 3 bowel movements every day, call the Lactation Consultant, or pediatrician and have baby’s weight checked.
We strongly recommend that you:
- See a Lactation Consultant to help guide you through the transition period.
- Have your baby’s weight checked every 3-5 days.
- For assistance finding a Lactation Consultant close to your home contact:
Pat Awood RN, IBCLC
Mary Dubensky RNC, IBCLC
Linda Faubert RN, IBCLC
734-764-8149
*These are general guidelines. Your baby’s pediatrician may have specific recommendations for your baby.