Breastfeeding after NICU or Premature Birth

Moms with sick or premature infants have been dedicated pumping moms.Keeping up a great supply of breastmilk gives moms options.

A mother lies in a hospital bed holding her premature newborn skin-to-skin, resting peacefully together after NICU care—symbolizing the early bonding and first steps toward breastfeeding after medical separation.

Premature or sick infants can breastfeed with the right support

Many mothers with baby's in the NICU may have pumped their breast milk anywhere from 3-100+ days. Many still want to breastfeed their baby and I believe they ought to realize their goal.

  • Time to breastfeed

    Depending on the NICU environment there may have been barriers to breastfeeding. Some units are single family rooms, offering the most privacy. Others are pod style with simply a curtain for privacy.

  • Nuzzling

    It’s like Kangaroo Mother Care with a twist. your small baby can enjoy their natural habitat and become familiar with your breast, latch on and suckle to boost milk supply.

  • Practice makes perfect

    The more opportunities a baby has to breastfeeding the more likely they are to be successful.

A lot happened while your baby was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Its a place that no-one wishes to be, however most parents are very glad that such a place exists when they needed the care for their baby. Feeding a premature or medically complex baby has so many challenges. Learning to feeding and gaining weight is the final skill and hurdle for so most premature or medially challenged baby must overcome.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding after NICU or Premature Birth

We know feeding can come with a lot of questions—and sometimes, a lot of noise. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common concerns families have about Breastfeeding after NICU or Premature Birth.

If you don’t see your question listed, we’re always happy to chat during a session or in a free meet and greet.

The NICU environment although so necessary for infants who require this level of care it is a separation from mom to establish a robust milk supply (best done with ad lib breastfeeding) Preterm infants are born too soon, and have a myriad of challenges they overcome with time, maturity and growth. Some infants make a detour to the NICU for surgical intervention, phototherapy, stabilize blood sugar, and time to learn how to eat, and grown.

Yes, absolutely. Many NICU and preterm babies can breastfeed—either right away or with gradual support. We’ll meet your baby where they are developmentally and build a feeding plan that is re-evaluated as your baby grows. The plan supports their feeding needs and your milk supply, whether that includes direct breastfeeding, pumping, or both.