Breastfeeding:
For the late preterm infant, small, frequent feedings are the best. The breastfed infant should eat every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding can be difficult, sometimes late preterm infants do not latch well to the breast for the first couple days or weeks of life, seek health care professionals assistance if you need help with this. Many hospitals have lactation consultants who can assist with this as well and you may be able to contact them even after leaving the hospital.1 Types of breast milk: Colostrum- In the first few days after delivery, your breast milk may be thick and yellowish. This is called colostrum and is rich in nutrients and antibodies that help protect your infant from infection. It has more protein to help your baby grow. It is also easy for your baby's system to digest. Foremilk- After the first few days your milk will gradually get thinner and appear less yellow. The milk that is drawn during a feeding or pumping session is called foremilk. It is generally thin and lower in fat content. Hindmilk- Your baby may get the most benefits fromt he milk that comes later, called hindmilk. It has more fat and calories, which are important for your infants health and growth.1 |
Tips for breastfeeding: Hold your baby skin to skin as much as you can, it will keep your infant warm and may help with milk production. Make sure that you infant is latched correctly, this picture below gives more information on this. |
Bottle Feeding:
Some mothers decide to bottle feed or they are required to supplement breast milk with formula as well and that is ok! There is no reason to feel badly about giving your infant formula, they are getting the food that they need to grow and be healthy. Bottle fed babies should eat about every 3-4 hours. Keep track of how much they eat at each feeding and still keep track of the wet and poopy diapers.1
Some mothers decide to bottle feed or they are required to supplement breast milk with formula as well and that is ok! There is no reason to feel badly about giving your infant formula, they are getting the food that they need to grow and be healthy. Bottle fed babies should eat about every 3-4 hours. Keep track of how much they eat at each feeding and still keep track of the wet and poopy diapers.1
At www.freeprintablemedicalforms.com you can print off a diaper diary to keep track of your baby's feeds and diapers.
1. Your Late Preterm Infant: A Parent's Guide. (2011). Ohio: Abbott Laboratories.