Can I Breastfeed in the NICU?

I have come across so many NICU mommies who feel defeated and believe that their dream of breastfeeding is now out the window. Well, I am here to tell you that it is not. Will it take a lot of extra effort on your part to help make your dream a reality? Possibly. But can you do it?? Totally.

I understand that there are not many perks of having your baby in the NICU. It is complete and utter torture and grief to be discharged from the hospital without your baby. It is traumatic to watch everything you had envisioned get taken from you, meanwhile seeing your newborn get invasively treated at the very start of their lives. There's not much good to say so my job here is not to sugar coat the NICU experience at all. As a parent all you can do is be there to help when you can, and understand that all of this is being done to help your baby.

Breastfeeding may or may not be on your mind during this initial phase of admission into the NICU. However, you are here now because it's of concern to you. As a NICU RN, the nightmarish place you're currently residing in is also a second home to me. Depending on your baby's stability, breastfeeding can most definitely take place in that second home.

Breastfeeding Survival Tips for the NICU

1. Use your resources!! This is actually a big perk of the NICU. You have experienced nursing staff who are educated in helping you and your baby breastfeed. Ask them to help your baby latch or evaluate your current latch. They should be able to show you different positioning and techniques, and get you supplies you need. If you still need more help, ask them to get lactation involved. Having lactation consultants at your fingertips is super underrated and you should really utilize them!
2. Be there for feeding times- If your baby is stable enough to start oral feeds, be there to advocate for yourself and say you would like to try breastfeeding. Even if your baby is on a specialized diet with high calories and additives, the team can likely make adjustments for you so that breastfeeding remains a priority. That being said, it is on YOU to be there during those times. It is very hard to keep up with sometimes, but with good communication and knowing your baby's schedule, you can do it.
3. Stay calm- Yeah, I know. Super cliche. But your baby feeds off of you (get it?) and feels stressed when you are stressed. If your baby is screaming bloody murder and is completely out of control, it is likely not going to be a very pleasant breastfeeding experience. If this happens, try to stay calm and calm the baby first before attempting to latch again. For this reason, it is good to be there BEFORE feeding times, so that your baby isn't overly hungry and cranky. Being there in time to catch those first feeding cues is really helpful.
4. Pump while you are there (if necessary)- If your baby latches well, audibly eats for an adequate amount of time, and your breasts have been drained, then of course you do not need to pump after. But if your baby just got some tastes and nibbled around during this session (totally ok!!! it's a work in progress!), then you should definitely pump afterward while at the bedside. Your production will likely be higher at this pump session and you do not want to lose your supply.
5. Hydrate yourself- Breastfeeding will not be successful if you do not have the milk to do so. Drink tons of water and eat (at least snack in between!) after attempting to nurse and/or pump. Keep yourself going so that you can keep your baby going!
6. Advocate for yourself and your baby! This sounds self explanatory but you would be surprised at how frequently I come across a mom's chart that says their desired feeding method is the breast, however nothing is ever mentioned to the team. It is probably because of stress and because their baby's survival and discharge are of much higher priority. Totally understandable. But if you do desire breastfeeding and your baby is indeed stable enough to do oral feeds, then PLEASE speak up and tell the team. Once everyone is on the same page as you, they will better be able to help you. Bottle feeding tends to be the "norm" in the NICU, so no one is going to think twice about popping that in their mouth if you are not there and not asking to breastfeed your baby. It is not that they're against breastfeeding in any way, they just simply want feed your baby so that they can grow and thrive.
7. Bring home items for comfort- Are you big into your boppy pillow? Maybe you have some positioning items or a nipple shield or other supplies that you previously purchased and need. Bring them from home and get comfortable. Even if it's just a super soft blanket you want to use to get cozy with your baby afterward. Turning the NICU into a home is not easy, but sometimes it's the little things that can make a difference in your day. Nurses like me love using personal home blankets on their beds, home clothes (if able), and things like that to help perk up their little station. Get comfortable and do your best to make the best of this hellish reality of the NICU.

My heart is with all of you NICU mommies. xoxoxo