But the most important thing you can do to start breastfeeding a preemie is express milk frequently. This stimulates and establishes a milk supply that may be more than your preemie actually needs. Don't underestimate the importance of saving any amount of colostrum you produce in the early days. This should be the first food fed to your baby when supplementation is medically indicated. Colostrum is designed to seal off your baby's gut from harmful bacteria that could endanger her health.
Studies indicate that breastfeeding is less stressful for a baby than bottle-feeding.
And the recommendations that preemies not nurse until bottle-feedings are going well and the baby has attained a certain weight are merely commonly held assumptions not based on scientific research. It is higher in protein, sodium, iron, chloride, and other nutrients specific to the nutritional needs of your preemie. Consider the first few feedings as a time to get acquainted with breastfeeding . You'll need more than two hands to provide the additional support for your baby's head and body. A quiet, private place, comfortable chair, pillows for support, and clothing that facilitates nursing will help things go more smoothly.