Feeding in the NICU
From tube to breast or bottle — and everything in between.
Mother's Own Milk
Milk expressed directly from the baby's mother.
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Benefits
- Best option whenever possible; tailored to your baby's needs.
- Easier to digest, with gentler proteins and fats.
- Provides antibodies and immune factors against infections.
- Linked to lower risk of NEC and better brain development.
Things to know
- Pumping can be challenging and time-consuming.
- Supply may vary, especially in the early weeks.
Quick Quiz
1. Babies born before 32 weeks often need:
AExtra pacifiers
BTube (gavage) feedings
CWater
DBaby Cereal
2. True or False: Cup or spoon feedings are sometimes used to protect breastfeeding.
ATrue
BFalse
3. What is the main reason human milk fortifier is used?
ATo make milk taste better
BTo add extra protein, vitamins, and minerals
CTo replace breast milk
DTo thicken feeds