Session 28Session 28BREASTFEEDING

LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT AND SICK BABIES

BREASTFEEDING LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT

AND SICK BABIES

Breastfeeding and Low Birth Weight BabiesBreastfeeding and Low Birth Weight Babies

Breastfeeding:Prevents hypothermia, hypoglycemia and

other metabolic derangementsProtects from sepsis and necrotizing

enterocolitis.Optimizes growth and development.Reduces mortality

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Full-term and Preterm Breast MilkFull-term and Preterm Breast Milk

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Methods of Feeding LBW BabiesMethods of Feeding LBW Babies

Gestational age

weeks

Approximate weights

Oral feeding methods

Before 30 Nasogastric tube

30 - 32 Cup feed

32 - 34 + 1,300g Breastfeeding possible

34 + + 1,800g Breastfeeding well coordinated

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Breastfeeding and JaundiceBreastfeeding and Jaundice2-10 days2-10 days

• Glucose feeds

• Extra water

• Infrequent or restricted breastfeeds

• Breastfeed early

• Frequent unrestricted breastfeeds

• 20%extra (if on expressed breast milk)

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Why do babies stop breastfeeding Why do babies stop breastfeeding when they are ill?when they are ill?

DIFFICULTY WITH

BREASTFEEDING

Difficulty suckling (eg respiratory infection)

Loss of appetite (eg severe infections)

Oral feeds not possible (eg some surgery)

MISINFORMATION Someone says breastfeeding caused illness

Health worker advises mother to stop breastfeeding

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Why Breastfeed a Sick BabyWhy Breastfeed a Sick Baby

If breastfeeding stops If breastfeeding continues

Baby

-gets less nourishment

-loses more weight

-takes longer to recover

-lacks the comfort of suckling

Baby

-gets best nourishment

-loses less weight

-recovers more quickly

-is comforted by suckling

Breastmilk decreases Breastmilk production continues

Baby may refuse to start feeding again Baby more likely to continue breastfeeding

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How to help breastfeeding if a baby is sickHow to help breastfeeding if a baby is sick

If baby:

Is in hospital

Can suckle well

Suckles less than before

Is not able to suckle or refuses

Cannot take oral feeds

Is recovering

Help Mother to:

Stay in hospital with baby

Breastfeed more often

Give more frequent, shorter feeds

Express her breastmilk

Give breastmilk by cup or tube

Express 3 hourly to keep up supply

Start breastfeeding again

Breastfeed more often to build up

supply

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