Pediatr. praxi. 2023;24(3):200-204 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2023.057

Support of breastfeeding a premature newborn

Mgr. Jana Kučová, Ph.D.

Oddělení neonatologie, Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava

Achieving full breastfeeding of a premature newborn is a challenge for health professionals as well as for mothers who have given birth prematurely. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to maintain the mother's lactation, often for several weeks, before the first attempts at breastfeeding are initiated. Until the baby is able to coordinate sucking, breathing, and swallowing, it is possible to implement many interventions in the care of the premature new-born that can facilitate subsequent breastfeeding. It is mainly the skin-to-skin contact, oral motor interventions, and alternative feeding methods. Support for a woman's emotional stability and support for breastfeeding should not be neglected even after the child is released to home care.

Keywords: preterm newborn, breastfeeding, nutrition, breast milk, lactation, neonatal intensive care unit.

Accepted: June 8, 2023; Published: June 15, 2023  Show citation