What are some specific strategies for breastfeeding neonates with different disorders?
Preterm Infants: Encourage the use of kangaroo care to promote bonding and milk production. Use nipple shields and paced bottle feeding if direct breastfeeding is challenging. Congenital Heart Defects: Monitor the infantâs energy levels and provide shorter, more frequent feeding sessions to prevent fatigue. Consider fortifying breast milk with additional calories if needed. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Work with a pediatric gastroenterologist to determine the best feeding method. In some cases, specialized formulas may be necessary, but expressed breast milk can still be given via tube feeding. Neurological Disorders: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including occupational therapists, to assess and improve the infantâs sucking and swallowing abilities.
