Breast/chestfeeding your Hospitalized Baby

Important information:

Your milk is one of the most special gifts that only you can give to your hospitalized baby. Your milk is uniquely made to meet your baby’s health and nutrition needs. Providing your milk while your baby is hospitalized can help you during a stressful time. Expressing milk for your baby produces hormones that reduce stress and improve mood. Most importantly, producing your milk for your baby will help you form a special bond.

Your milk is like medicine for your baby. It protects them from illness. When you visit your baby in the hospital, your body starts to develop protection against germs. When your baby gets your milk, they will also be protected from these germs. The first milk your body makes after birth, called colostrum, is especially important for your baby. It has lots of antibodies that can protect your baby from serious infections. Your milk also strengthens their immune system and lowers the risk of developing infections like sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Formula does not provide the same protection as your milk.

Human milk is considered the best food for newborns and babies. For hospitalized babies, it is even more important to provide them with human milk, as it can help them in their recovery and overall health. Here are some of the benefits human milk provides for hospitalized babies:

• Provides complete nutrition: Human milk contains all the essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are important for the growth and development of babies.

• Boosts immunity: Human milk is rich in antibodies and other immune-boosting substances that help protect babies from infections and illnesses, including respiratory infections and diarrhea.

• Helps digestion: Human milk is easily digestible and helps babies develop healthy gut bacteria, which in turn reduces the risk of digestive problems.

• Supports brain development: Human milk contains essential fatty acids, such as DHA, which are crucial for the development of the brain and the nervous system.

• Reduces stress: Breast/chestfeeding helps reduce stress and promotes bonding between the parent and the baby, which can be especially important for hospitalized babies who may be experiencing a lot of stress.

• Helps recovery: Breast/chestfeeding can help hospitalized babies recover more quickly from illness and surgeries by providing them with the necessary nutrients and boosting their immune system.

If your baby is hospitalized, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of human milk and the best way to provide it to your baby. In some cases, you may be able to breast/chestfeed directly, while in other cases, you may need to pump and provide the milk through a bottle or feeding tube. In any case, providing your milk to your baby can be an important way to support their health and recovery.

Thank you for helping us give your baby the best start in life. Even if your baby cannot breast/chestfeed right away, it is important to start pumping your milk soon after they are born. This helps build up your milk production.

If you have questions about milk production, breast/chestfeeding, or are experiencing pain, speak with a provider who specializes in lactation support.

Reviewed July 2024 by Rachelle Lessen, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC and Meghan Devine BSN, RN, IBCLC