Dear Yvonne, In response to your Mom with the premie, it seems from my quick
calcs this baby was delivered at 29-30wks, thus is now 33-34wks. gestation?
I'm sure that she is pumping at least 2x the amt. that the baby is taking at
this point and since her supply is well established she could try to
eliminate that middle of the night pumping, if she wants to. If she doesn't
mind getting up than there is no reason why she shouldn't continue. What I am
puzzled about is the statement that she is 3-4 wks. away from starting oral
fds. At 33-34 wks. gestation, assuming she isn't ventilated or has high 02
req's, she MAY be ready to begin some real feeding at the breast vs.
"recreational". As has been documented via many, many sources a premie does
not need suck from a bottle before sucking at the breast.  Besides nipple
confusion there are distinct health risks associated with this, in the premie
population. A 'best case scenario' might find this baby exclusively breast
feeding in 3-4 wks. vs. just starting oral fds. As a practical suggestion, I
can't overemphasize the benefits of k-care in the true skin-skin sense, very
often NICUs adopt their own watered down version AND the benefits of leaving
the baby, somewhat naked  for the nursing attempts. These babies are so small
that any clothes or blankets between them and mom severely impedes their
ability to latch and nurse. Put the blanket over mom and baby AFTER the baby
has latched! Good Luck!
Lynn Shea Rn,Bsn,Ibclc

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