In the NICU

In the NICU, your baby receives special medical care.
It's natural for you to feel frightened and confused.
Become your baby's advocate and get involved in his care.

Breastfeeding your baby in the NICU

Fully breastfeeding a baby who has been in the NICU can be challenging. But most babies, even those born very prematurely or with certain birth defects such as Down syndrome or cleft lip and palate can learn to breastfeed.
If you are going to breastfeed, get all the help you can from the hospital's lactation consultant and your baby's nurses before your baby goes home. Pump your milk when you are not with your baby to keep up your milk supply.

Some babies leave the NICU breastfeeding only. If you are not able to provide any or all of your baby's nutrition by breastfeeding, don't feel bad. Your baby will benefit from any breast milk you can provide. Use the combination of breast milk and formula that works best for you and your baby.

Is the baby getting enough to eat?
Breastfeeding mothers often worry that their baby isn't getting enough to eat. That's because they can't see exactly how much their baby is eating. One way to know if your baby is getting enough is to count the number of wet and dirty diapers she has each day. Typically, a baby who is getting enough to eat will have at least six wet diapers and two to five dirty diapers in a 24-hour period.

Having trouble breastfeeding?
Some moms have a hard time breastfeeding at home. Before giving up, ask for help from:

A lactation consultant
A breastfeeding support group
Your baby's health care provider

You may worry that you're not making enough milk, even though you're feeding your baby on demand or pumping. Try to increase your milk supply by:

Getting more rest
Drinking more water
Getting enough nutritious calories
Pumping after or before feedings

Ask a lactation consultant about supplements you can take to increase your milk supply. With a little effort, most women can build up their supply. As your baby grows and thrives, your efforts will be rewarded many times over.

Resources

gotmom.org
A breastfeeding Web site sponsored by the American College of Nurse Midwives

American Academy of Pediatrics
(847) 434-4000

International Lactation Consultant Association
(919) 861-5577

La Leche League International
(847) 519-7730

Breastfeeding.com
An online community of mothers and nursing professionals

See also: Share your story

August 2009