Comments on: Do doctors allow premature babies to breastfeed or are they too small to take to the breast?

By: whinie_p

whinie_p — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:43:59 +0000

Doctors will still allow a premature baby to breast feed, but they will not be put to breast for a while after birth, depending on how early they are. Premature babies do not always have the sucking reflex right away, but they will eventually develop it. I just had a baby at 26 weeks and 4 days back in August. He was put to breast at around 30 weeks adjusted gestation (when he was 4 weeks old.) Prior to that he was being fed breast milk that I had pumped through a tube into his stomach. As far as your heart goes this is something that you would have to ask your cardiologist. They may want to watch you closely if you do get pregnant. Pregnancy DOES put extra stress on a healthy heart because it is pumping more volume than before pregnancy.
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By: Kayleigh, mum to bump 1

Kayleigh, *mum to bump 1* — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:16:59 +0000

Both of these questions really depend on your individual circumstances.

As for the breast feeding, this will depend on the baby, how premature it is and how well developed. Breast milk is preferable and if it is possible the Dr will of course allow the baby to be breast fed. If not the mother could express breast milk and have the baby bottle fed with that ensuring that the baby is getting the best possible food for them.

The second question is really only one that your Dr could answer. You may find that you will require specialist attention while pregnant, but in theory I would think it was ok, but then I’m no Dr.
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By: Jill

Jill — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:35:59 +0000

Having a valve surgery shouldn’t be a major issue during pregnancy, but talk to your doctor.

As for breastfeeding, it totally depends on how premature the baby is. 24-30 weeks they will have feeding tubes and can be fed expressed breast milk, and only be fed very small amounts because of the risk of damaging the immature intestines. They try to avoid a condition called "necrotizing enterocolitis", which means essentially part of the bowel dies because of disrupted blood flow to the immature bowel. Sometimes surgery is necessary to cut out part of the dead bowel tissue.

Once they hit about 30-32 weeks they usually will allow breastfeeding attempts, but generally the baby is still too immature and cannot coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe process. By 34-36 weeks these abilities mature and the baby will do much better.
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RN, OB, L&D

By: ♥l<Å§§♥-Due 12/15/09 w/BOY!!

♥l<Å§§♥-Due 12/15/09 w/BOY!! — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:56:59 +0000

With my daughter who was born at 29 wks I couldn’t get her to latch but I was allowed to bring in expressed milk for her..but they also gave her formula as it was higher in calories and she needed the extra calories.
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By: Is it over yet?

Is it over yet? — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:34:59 +0000

Pregnancy puts stress on every pregnant woman’s heart. You’re working with 50% extra blood- its extra work. However, having a valve closure as a newborn generally doesnt carry any life long threats to your health- they tend to heal and life goes on just as usual. If you have never had any issues with your heart after, and have been in good health you are at no more risk than anyone else of suffering anything abnormal on that front.

Call your doctor and ask how your particular situation works.