The breastfeeding paradox in preterm infants
There is a lactation conference going on right now that I try not to miss. The first presentation at the conference was about premature babies and the importance of supporting lactation from the very first day. It inspired me to write this article.
Although the first weeks and months with a premature baby are a big challenge, lactation can be maintained with the support and help available, thereby laying the best start.
And to overcome this challenge. you need the support of loved ones, a team of specialists and motivation. That is why today I'm going to talk about the "b reastfeeding paradox" in premature babies.
"The Breastfeeding Paradox" reflects the results of observations:
- Breast milk promotes neurocognitive development of premature babies, despite initially possibly slower weight gain.
- Breastfeeding also promotes muscle gain. And not only the weight gain itself is important, but also the quality of weight gain.
- Breast milk of women who gave birth prematurely also contains a higher content of many components.
That is why I believe in the power of mother's milk. And if possible, then first choice is always mother's breast milk (breastfeeding or expressed), second choice is donor milk (milk donated by other nursing mothers, which is usually available at the Milk Bank and has passed the necessary tests), third choice is infant formula.
I also believe in the power of mums. If you are willing and able, you can become a milk donor for babies, most often those born prematurely or with chronic illnesses, for whom every drop of breast milk is of great value and essential to their health.
For prematurely born babies, mother's breast milk is especially important and the help of a lactation consultant is usually needed to maintain lactation. To make an appointment for consultation, please write!
Sources:
Bauer & Gerss, 2011. Longitudinal analysis of macronutrients and minerals in human milk produced by mothers of preterm infants.
Castellote, 2011. Premature delivery influences the immunological composition of colostrum and transitional and mature human milk.
Gianni, 2023. The "Breastfeeding Paradox" as a Guide for the Assessment of Premature Infants Growth: It Is More Than Just Weigh-Ins.
Roze, 2012. The apparent breastfeeding paradox in very preterm infants: relationship between breast feeding, early weight gain and neurodevelopment based on results from two cohorts, EPIPAGE and LIFT.
Author of the article: Aleksandra Ņekrasova
© 2025 Aleksandra Nekrasova. All Rights Reserved.