Lactation for Preterm Infants-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: How can midwives help mothers of preterm Infants to establish lactation? Answer: Lactation for Preterm Infants Breast milk is suitable for the nutritional needs of the baby as it protects it from illness. Children born prematurely have different nutritional needs from full- term babies. Preterm infants need more proteins as compared to full term infants (McInnes Chambers, 2015). Therefore, it is important for mothers of preterm infants to provide them with breast milk in order to meet their nutritional needs. However, based on the fact that preterm infants cannot breastfeed fully, midwives can help mothers to express milk from the mothers an d feed the infants using cups, bottles, or tubes running through their nose into the stomach (Nyqvist, 2016). In this case, midwives should educate and exhibit to the mothers on how to express milk from their breast, which can be done by either electric pump or hand. Further, midwives can help mothers offer kangaroo care to their babies. Kangaroo care is beneficial to both the mother and the baby. The infant benefits from skin- to- skin comfort, which enhances bonding while it helps the mother produce more milk for the baby (McInnes Chambers, 2015). In conclusion, breastfeeding a premature baby is a complicated skill. However, with the help midwives, mothers are able to learn the skills on how to breastfeed their babies appropriately. For instance, midwives play a significant role of training mothers on how to express milk from their breasts for the baby, which is indispensable for the baby. References McInnes, R. J., Chambers, J. A. (2015). Supporting breastfeeding mothers: a qualitative synthesis.Journal of advanced nursing,62(4), 407-427. Nyqvist, K. H. (2016). Early attainment of breastfeeding competence in very preterm infants.Acta paediatric,97(6), 776-781.