We have a new Neo who wants to start preemies BFing @ 30 wks & bottle @ 31
wks. Our head Neo thinks this is a great way to 'support BFing'. The new
Neo provided a copy of Guidelines from the last hosp where she worked. We
asked for documentation but she wants US to get it. Inquiries to that hosp
have not yet been answered.

It's our (3 IBCLCs & a Developmental Specialist) contention that the
majority of preemies don't have the developmental maturity to be expected
to BF successfully or effectively earlier than 34/35 wks. Notable
exceptions have been written about, i.e.Sandra Lang's book, Breastfeeding
Special Care Babies, but we are concerned about applying this practice as
the norm for the majority of preemies beginning at 30/31 wks without
evidence or documentation.

Even at 34/35 wks, we see too many moms called in to the NICU to 'start
BFing' after baby has been successfully fed by bottle a few times (i.e.
drank it within the expected time frame & held it down), only to be
disappointed when baby slept soundly or otherwise had no clue what to do
with mom's breast. We prefer gentle 'getting aquainted' first.

Can anyone help us find published evidence on this issue?

Thanks.

--- Phyllis Adamson, IBCLC
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