Dear netters:  The nonsense about a baby being old enought to breastfeed is
just that. Any premie who is able to coordinate suck/swallow (i.e. come off
of gavage feeds and start nipple feeds) can start to breastfeed. Convincing
others of this is not always so easy!  Documentation exists that supports the
fact that breastfeeding is actually less stressful on the premie than bottle,
as evidenced by measuring O2 saturation levels, and vital signs. Moms do need
special help and support, and the babies may also need supplementary feedings
at first because they tire easily, and may not get enough calories in, but
you don't have to be any older to breastfeed than to bottle feed!

Denise Mollenkopf, RNC, IBCLC
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