Breastfeeding Lessons The NICU Taught Me As a New Mama
The NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, can present unique challenges for breastfeeding mamas. It is a setting where premature or ill newborns receive specialized care. During my experience in the NICU, I learned valuable breastfeeding lessons. Starting my breastfeeding journey in a place surrounded by strangers, with several people giving me tips, holding my breast or telling me I wasn’t doing it correctly.
Here are a few key insights:
The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact:
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is incredibly beneficial for both full-term and premature infants. In the NICU, I learned that even the tiniest babies can benefit from this close physical contact with their mama. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, promotes bonding, and stimulates breastfeeding. It is a powerful way for establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, fostering a sense of connection between mother and baby.
The Power of Pumping and Colostrum:
In situations where direct breastfeeding may not be immediately possible, pumping breast milk becomes crucial. The NICU taught me the importance of initiating pumping as soon as possible to establish and maintain milk supply. Even if my baby was unable to feed at the breast, I learned that providing colostrum—the nutrient-rich early milk—is incredibly beneficial for their health and development. The NICU staff guided me through the process of pumping and collecting colostrum, ensuring that my baby received the vital benefits of my milk.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
The NICU taught me the importance of being flexible and adaptable in my breastfeeding journey. Premature infants may have unique challenges, such as difficulty latching or feeding coordination issues. I learned to approach breastfeeding with patience, understanding that progress might be slow and setbacks may occur. The NICU staff provided valuable guidance and support, helping me navigate these challenges and find alternative feeding methods when needed, such as propping up the babies head or utilizing paced bottle feeding techniques or in our case, learning to tandem feed.
Celebrating Small Victories:
In the NICU, every step forward is a cause for celebration. I learned to appreciate and celebrate even the smallest breastfeeding achievements, such as successful latch attempts, increased milk production, or the baby’s ability to tolerate direct breastfeeding for a brief period, which is a big deal for a premature baby. Celebrating these milestones provided motivation and encouragement during a sometimes challenging and emotional journey.
Breastfeeding Lessons From the NICU
The NICU experience taught me invaluable lessons about breastfeeding in challenging circumstances. Through skin-to-skin contact, pumping, flexibility, collaboration with the NICU nurses, and celebrating small victories. I was able to navigate the unique breastfeeding journey in the NICU. The knowledge and resilience gained during this time have positively shaped my breastfeeding experience. One thing I wished the NICU offered was a kind and gentle lactaction consultant. It would’ve been nice to speak with someone before leaving the hospital and ask more in depth questions.
