Can I Still Breastfeed My Premature Baby?

Did you know babies born as early as 32 weeks can start learning to breastfeed? It’s true! While breastfeeding a premature baby can feel overwhelming and scary at first, and can come with some challenges, with the right support and patience, it’s absolutely possible. It’s actually an extremely important part of protecting your little one’s immature, not-fully-developed body and immune system. In this post, I’ll share how breastfeeding works for premature babies, why it’s so important, and how you can make it work—even if your baby has trouble latching at first. 

Breastfeeding Premature Babies: Meeting Them Where They Are

Premature babies often need extra time and care to learn how to breastfeed. Your breastmilk is incredibly important for their not-fully-developed brain and body. If your baby was born before 37 weeks, they might not have the coordination to latch and suck properly just yet. Some premature babies might start with tube feeding or expressed milk other ways than from the breast, but this doesn’t mean breastfeeding is off the table. 

The key is to meet your baby where they’re at and be kind to yourself as you both figure it out. With the right support, you can breastfeed, pump, or do both—whatever works best for you and your baby. And with time, many mums of premature babies are able to transition to fully breastfeeding!

The Lifesaving Benefits of Breastfeeding for Premature Babies

Breastmilk is especially important for premature babies because it’s packed with nutrients and antibodies that help their little bodies grow and fight off infections. Research shows that premature babies who get breastmilk have stronger immune systems, healthier digestive systems, and improved brain development compared to babies who don’t. The breastmilk of mums with premature babies is different to the milk from mums whose babies were born at full term. It helps premature babies grow and develop faster. Premature milk has more iron, protein, fat and other important minerals and immune protecting factors that help protect them from infections as well as a life threatening condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

On top of all the physical benefits, breastfeeding is also a special time to bond with your baby. Those snuggly feeding moments can help both of you feel calm and connected—even if the feeding looks a little different at first.

Tips for Breastfeeding a Premature Baby 

1. Spend Time Skin-to-Skin

Skin-to-skin time, also called kangaroo care, is one of the best things you can do for your premature baby. Once your baby is strong enough and well enough, hold them against your bare chest as often as possible. This helps regulate their temperature, breathing, and heart rate while boosting your milk supply. It also creates a calm, secure environment that encourages your baby’s breastfeeding instincts, helping them to latch and breastfeed when they’re ready. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to bond and feel close to your little one.

2. Start with Expressing Milk Early

If your baby isn’t able to latch yet, start expressing milk as soon as you can after birth, ideally in the first hour. A hospital-grade pump can help you to start building your milk supply. Even small amounts of colostrum—your first milk—are incredibly valuable for your baby. You might need to express your milk even if bub is able to latch since they might not yet be able to breastfeed effectively and get milk easily. Expressing will help build your supply up so you have enough to keep your baby growing strong. If you do need to pump, check out this info on getting more milk out with less hassle (it can be a gamechanger to breastfeeding your premature baby!)

3. Work on Latching Gently

Latching might take practice, especially if your baby is still learning. Skin-to-skin contact is a great way to help your baby feel calm and ready to try. A lactation consultant can also guide you in finding the best positions and techniques for your baby. Ask your nurse or midwife to have one come and see you and bub while you’re still in hospital.

4. Avoid Bottles If Possible

While it’s common to use bottles to give premature babies expressed milk, introducing bottles before bub has learned how to breastfeed can make it harder for your baby to learn how to feed at the breast. If your baby needs extra milk on top of breastfeeding (or in place of breastfeeding), consider alternatives like syringe or cup feeding. These methods can help your baby get the nourishment they need while protecting their breastfeeding skills. Talk to a lactation consultant to find the best plan for you and your baby.

5. Bring Breastfeeding Home

Once your baby is ready to leave the hospital, you can continue building on what you and bub have learned. Follow your baby’s cues, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you hit any bumps in the road. If you’re still expressing once bub is home, it’s a really good idea to see a lactation consultant to help you get bub breastfeeding well, so that you don’t have to keep expressing (if that’s what you want to do!). You can book a home visit or video call with me here.  

You Can Breastfeed Your Premature Baby—You’re Not Alone

Breastfeeding a premature baby comes with its challenges, but with patience, support, and the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible. Your breast milk is one of the best things you can give your baby, and every little bit counts. 

If you’re navigating breastfeeding with a premature baby, I’d love to hear from you! DM me on Instagram to share your takeaway from this post or ask me any questions. Let’s tackle this together—you’re not alone. 💛