Preemies

Did you know that about 480,000 premies are born in the US every year.  That’s about 1 every minute.  It’s way too many.  These babies have many challenges ahead, one of which is feeding.  For many, their little mouths are so small that it’s difficult to impossible to grasp a nipple.  For many, they are so fragile, that they’re not quite ready to be picked up and held to the breast. Many of their moms spend hour after hour pumping to produce the liquid gold that’s known as breastmilk.  Often the pumping doesn’t keep up with supply.
 
Preemies need the benefits of breastmilk, and many are able to obtain it from Milk Banks.  Others need specialized formulas with higher calorie and nutrient counts.  It’s nice to know that there are formula additives made especially for preemies, some are even designed to be added to breastmilk.
 
Some preemies are fed through tubes, and others are able to use a nipple. Many have tubes in their mouths attached to respirators so that they can breathe.  Being in a NICU around these teeny, tiny babies who are fighting against incredible odds reminds me of their parents, who are also waging their own battles with constant ups and downs and a perpetual emotional roller-coaster. It’s compounded by the lack of sleep.
 
Feeding becomes one of many concerns as parents try to cope with all the stimulation and the information they’re bombarded with everyday.  Many moms who have a baby in the NICU compare it to being in a fog, just taking one day at a time. If you’ve had a baby in a NICU, we’d like to hear about your experiences.