World Breastfeeding Week: Our go-to online resources for Breastfeeding Education & Basics plus practical information for Breastfeeding Premature Babies

This week our feeds have been filled with a diverse array of images and stories in recognition and celebration of World Breastfeeding Week. Organised and held every year between 1 - 7 August by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), World Breastfeeding Week aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding around the world. 

Research has shown that breastmilk is very beneficial for all babies, especially pre-term babies, and it’s reassuring to know that most premature and sick babies can be breastfed. Just like no two babies are the same, no two feeding journeys are the same and feeding is a complicated skill for any new mum and baby. 

Having a premature baby or baby in the NICU or Special Care can add some additional challenges when it comes to feeding and breastfeeding might look a little different, especially in the beginning, from expressing milk for tube or bottle feeds to giving your baby ’breast experiences’ where your baby is gently introduced to the idea of being at the breast and latching. Because premmies tire easily and have very tiny mouths, it may be some time before they are ready to start feeding directly from the breast. Nipple shields are also often recommended to help premature babies breastfeed as they can create the suction that the babies cannot produce at this time. 

For some mums, breastfeeding may not be possible for a variety of reasons, from physical hurdles through to mental health, and it’s important to validate and support every feeding experience. Dr Frankie Harrison, a Clinical psychologist and NICU mama puts it perfectly when she says ‘Breastfeeding for a NICU Mum can be a story of triumph, jealousy, pain, struggle, grief or trauma. One thing it rarely is, is simple.’ If you can’t breastfeed, it’s OK, you are not alone, your body has not failed you and you have not failed your baby.  

Whether you are currently pregnant and seeking some educational resources to help you prepare for breastfeeding or if you are a mum embarking on establishing breastfeeding your premature baby, to save you time and in honor of this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme ‘Step up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’ we have rounded up some useful articles that may help you on your breastfeeding journey. 

Breastfeeding Education

In addition to the breastfeeding information and advice delivered by your health care providers such as your GP, Midwife, Obstetrician plus Doulas and Birth Educators, you may like to seek out additional education in preparation for breastfeeding to set yourself up for a successful journey as possible. 

Australian Breastfeeding Association Preparing For Breastfeeding As Australia's peak breastfeeding information and support service, The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) delivers Breastfeeding Education sessions for expectant parents both in person and online. 

Australian Birth Stories Breastfeeding Guide 

Founder Sophie Walker wrote this how-to breastfeeding guide to inspire pregnant women to prepare for their breastfeeding journey much like they prepare for their birth. 

There are also a number of free resources online from major hospitals such as this Learning to Breasfeed video by The Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria and Expressing Your Breastmilk by Mater Mothers in Queensland. 

Breastfeeding Basics 

Breastfeeding, what you need to know

We loved this article by Dr Nelu Simonsz, a Paediatric Doctor who is passionate about sharing useful kids health tips, stories from both her work and from her life as a mum to three little ones, including twins who were born recently at 29 weeks and spent 13 weeks in the NICU and Special Care nursery. The article delves into what to expect when it comes to breastfeeding (in summary, it’s hard work!) and also discusses the topic of low milk supply, something premmie mums may experience due to their baby being born prematurely, complications from the medical conditions that caused their pre term birth, medications, a stressful delivery and/or C Section birth or simply because their premmie is too small to suck at birth. 

Breastfeeding Premature Babies

Backed by research about breastfeeding premature babies, here is some useful information  from sources you can trust. 

Australian Breastfeeding Association Breastfeeding your premature baby

Breastfeeding is a practical, learned skill and the ABA helps more than 80,000 mothers each year through their up to date information and range of services. The Australian Breastfeeding Association’s Breastfeeding Helpline is also available 24/7 on 1800 686 268 (1800 mum 2 mum) to provide information and support at every age and stage. 

Raising Children Breastfeeding Premature Babies in the NICU

Raisingchildren.net.au provides free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. They are funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial.

Medela Breastfeeding a Premature Baby: Best Practices 

Medela is a well known brand committed to the ongoing education and promotion of breastfeeding that provides many breast feeding related products such as breast pumps, bottles and nipple shields that you may come to know and love or hate!

You can also find valuable information about feeding your premature or sick baby in your copy of ‘A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries’ from Life’s Little Treasures Foundation. It covers everything from Enteral Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Expressing, Milk Banks, Ideas for Maintaining Milk Supply and where to look for practical and emotional support. This incredible guide is available free of charge in hospitals Australia wide so ensure you have your hands on one. 

Whether you breastfeed for one day, one month, beyond one year or not at all, you are an amazing mother and the best mother for your baby. The premmie journey is filled with a range of emotions and unexpected hurdles, including breastfeeding. During this journey it’s important to express what you are feeling and experiencing, celebrate the little wins and get as much help and support from your network of family, friends and care providers.