Breastfeeding enhances visual acuity and decreases the severity of retinopathy of prematurity, the most common cause of blindness in premature infants. It improves development and recent studies show premature infants who receive breastmilk have an 8-10 point higher IQ at age 8 than similar infants artificially fed. Additionally, babies have more control of the feeding process when they are breastfed than when they are bottle fed, allowing them greater respiratory stability. Mothers of premature infants also report benefits to themselves when they choose to breastfeed. Mothers describe breastfeeding or providing their infants with breastmilk as a unique contribution only they can make to the infant's care.
Mothers often report that they enjoy the close physical contact with their infant.
There are many well-documented barriers to breastfeeding when a mother delivers prematurely. She may be unaware that breastfeeding is still possible, may believe formula is a healthier option or may not be aware of breastmilk's unique compositional properties. While expressing breastmilk requires some dedication on the mother s part, many report it is worth the effort involved, to provide their babies with the best possible start in life.