Although breastfeeding is important for full term babies, it is even more important for babies born prematurely. The antibodies present in breastmilk are especially helpful to premature babies in protecting them against infection and breastmilk is much easier for a preemie to digest than formula. Most babies born after 35 weeks gestation are able to breastfeed with just a little extra help. Your thumb and forefinger can support the baby's face and chin to help him get a good seal at the breast. The Dancer hand works best with the baby in a football hold, tucked under the mother's arm.
Preemies are also notoriously sleepy feeders.
It takes a lot of work for a preemie just to eat, so help the baby focus by keeping the baby lightly dressed at feeding time. Also, consider using a firm nursing pillow such as My Brest Friend pillow that will encourage the baby to stay awake and nurse rather than fall asleep on a soft, fluffy pillow. Work with a lactation professional or your health care provider to determine if you need to use an electric breastpump to help your milk supply become established despite your baby's sleepiness. Babies born before 35 weeks gestation may not be able to breastfeed right away, but a new mother can provide her special milk for her baby by expressing with an electric breastpump and offering it to her baby or freezing it until her baby is ready for it. It is important for premature babies to be weighed frequently and followed by health care providers to assure a healthy weight gain.