Feeding

Choosing the type of milk a baby receives is an important decision. Mothers of preterm or sick babies are encouraged to breast feed and where babies are unable to suckle, to express breast milk (EBM) using hand expression or a pump. Breast milk is more easily absorbed and better accepted by the baby than formula milk. EBM can be given directly to a baby or kept in the fridge for up to 48 hours (or up to 3 months in the freezer).

• it offers some protection against gut and respiratory infections;
• it reduces some symptoms commonly seen in problems such as asthma, eczema in babies with a family history of these diseases;
• it is associated with improved developmental outcome.

Although breast milk is beneficial to babies, it is not always available and occcasionally, with a preterm baby, there are insufficient calories in it to allow a baby to grow adequately. In these circumstances we will continue using breast milk but increase it's calorie content by adding some formula milk. The preterm baby may need other supplements added to the breast milk, such as sodium and phosphate.

If mothers choose to bottle feed, help and advice is offered to support this feeding method.

Methods of feeding

There are several ways that a baby can be given milk. Breast feeding is the preferred method where the baby is able to latch on and suck. If mother is unavailable, expressed breast milk can be given by cup, syringe, spoon or bottle. If the baby is unwell or too immature to suck, expressed milk can be given by nasogastric tube. Where parents intend to bottle feed, babies can receive milk by nasogastric tube and then, when able, by bottle.