What Are LLLI Resources For Breastfeeding My Pre-Term Baby?

A pre-term baby is a baby that was born prior to the 37th week of gestation. They may range from extremely low birth weight to low birth weight. Each baby will face entirely different issues. This list of resources is intended to lead you to information for your particular situation.

Begin your search by contacting an LLL Leader in your area. She will help you sort through all these resources and more. To find a Leader near you use these options:

Phone 1-800-LALECHE (in the US) or your local Affiliate office
Look at our LLL Web Page Index
Follow these hints.

If you are unable to find a local Group Leader, you may consider attending one of our online LLL meetings.

Resources for Additional Information

Premature Infant Breastfeeding Resource Page--this page lists all our resources at a glance.
Premature Infant FAQs.
"I'm pumping my milk to feed my baby, but my supply is going down. What can I do?"
Article on Kangaroo Mother Care from LEAVEN, the LLLI magazine for Leaders.
"Breastfeeding a Preterm Infant After NICU Discharge: Reflections on Ryan's Story", an article from BREASTFEEDING ABSTRACTS.

The following items may be available from the LLLI Online Store or from your local Leader:

Books

BREASTFEEDING YOUR PREMATURE BABY, Revised Edition, by Gwen Gotsch

This LLLI book offers clear and concise information about how to breastfeed the premature baby and why breastfeeding is so important for these tiny infants. This publication provides breastfeeding basics as well as complete information on pumping, milk storage, and feeding your baby. Updated to include information on how to use nipple shields and how to position baby correctly at the breast, supporting both the neck and shoulders. Complete with references and resource list. (Softcover, 56 pages)

The American Academy of Pediatrics New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding, edited by American Academy of Pediatrics and Joan Younger Meek

This comprehensive resource is designed to prepare new mothers for all aspects of breastfeeding. From preparing for the first feeding to adjusting to home, family, and work life as a breastfeeding mother, this guide addresses how to prepare before the baby is born; establishing a nursing routine; the father's role in the breastfeeding relationship; and solutions to common breastfeeding challenges. The New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding outlines the benefits of breastfeeding for everyone, including those handling special situations such as cesarean sections or premature births, to those who wish to breastfeed beyond infancy. (Softcover, 240 pages)

DEFINING YOUR OWN SUCCESS: BREASTFEEDING AFTER BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY, by Diana West

Thoroughly researched, this book is useful far beyond what its title suggests as it includes extensive information about supplementation as well as increasing milk supply which may be useful to mothers in a variety of circumstances. (328 pages, Hardcover)

La Leche League International BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock

This popular LLLI resource book includes up-to-date references, expanded information, and three new chapters. Complete information on pumps and other products, new milk storage guidelines, and a whole new approach to newborn jaundice make this publication an indispensable resource for all who counsel breastfeeding mothers. (Hardcover, Spiral-bound, 8 1/2"x 11". 586 pages.)

Breastfeeding Premature Babies by Marsha Walker, RN, BS, IBCLC

This unit provides information and insight into premature birth and suggests specific guidelines related to breastfeeding these babies. Explains the health problems experienced by the baby, the emotional difficulties of the parents, and protocols offered to pull all parties through this difficult period. (38 pages)

Video

Kangaroo Mother Care: Rediscover the Natural Way to Care for Your Newborn Baby

A new video by Dr. Nils Bergman, "Kangaroo Mother Care" summarizes research and evidence to prove that the newborn, premature or not, thrives best in his natural place-on mother's chest. This video addresses methods for practicing Kangaroo Mother Care while discussing the negative effects of mother/baby separation, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and the importance of breastfeeding. A must-see for all prospective mothers as well as fathers and health care professionals who assist them. (VHS, 26 minutes)

Special Accessories

Feeding cups

Ameda Baby Cups

These cups are an excellent alternative to the use of bottles for babies who have problems with their suck. Milk can be stored in these durable, sterilized, see-through plastic cups with covers. Package of six, two-ounce cups.

Foley Cup Feeder

Patented New Cup Feeder makes cup feeding easy. The unique channel and lip allow control and make it easy to cup feed. This cup is translucent, soft, reusable, and can be sterilized. Packages of three cups with instructions.

Tube feeding systems

Lact-Aid Standard Nursing Trainer System

Ideal for short-term use, Lact-Aid Nursing Trainer System is a supplementation system for mothers who need to give a supplement of human milk or formula at the breast. A standard unit contains adjustable neck strap, bag hanger, strainer, funnel, cleaning syringe, and instructions. A supply of 50 (one roll) nursing bags is also included.

Medela Hazelbaker FingerFeeder

This device, invented by a lactation consultant, is a transitional tool that is used for a short time in order to teach non-latching babies how to latch on to the mother's breast. Soft, silicone bulb holds the mother's expressed breast milk or a supplement. Milk comes through a tube attached to the mother's finger and is fed to the baby. The Medela Hazlebaker FingerFeeder Instructional Video is recommended with this purchase.

Medela Supplemental Nursing System

Two thin tubes, taped to each breast, deliver a supplement to the nursing baby from a plastic container that hangs around the mother's neck. The SNS is helpful for the baby who can latch but has special needs. This device is used in relactation, for babies with a weak suck, and for adopted babies. Includes three sizes of tubing, tape, and detailed instructions. The Medela SNS Instructional Video is recommended with this purchase.

Our FAQs present information from La Leche League International on topics of interest to parents of breastfed children. Not all of the information may be pertinent to your family's lifestyle. This information is general in nature and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you are strongly encouraged to talk directly to a La Leche League Leader. Please consult health care professionals on any medical issue, as La Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners.

Last updated Friday, July 21, 2006 8:38 PM by sjs.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:31:02 UTC 2007.