Mothers or caregivers with babies who are less than 6 months of age and at risk of poor growth and development should receive regular care and monitoring by health professionals.
Breastmilk is especially adapted to the nutritional needs of babies who are born too early (pre- term), too small, or with low birthweight.
Direct breastfeeding of a very small baby may not be possible for several weeks since the baby’s mouth may be too small to get a good latch and/or the baby may not have a strong enough suck. Mothers need to be taught and encouraged to express breastmilk and feed the breastmilk to their baby using a small cup or spoon.
A baby who is not gaining weight or becomes ill is at risk of malnutrition and should be taken to the health facility immediately.
Mothers of at-risk babies are encouraged to:
Express more milk than the baby is consuming to build up milk supply early and ensure that the baby can continue to breastfeed as he/she grows.
Use the cross cradle and underarm positions for breastfeeding small or low birthweight babies because you can control the position of the baby’s head and body.
Breastfeed frequently to familiarize the baby with breastfeeding and keep the milk flowing.
Keep the baby at the breast and encourage long, slow feeds.
Wake the baby to feed regularly if he or she sleeps for long periods of time.
Breastfeed the baby before he or she starts to cry because it will be easier for a calm baby to latch onto the breast.
Look for early signs of hunger (before crying), which include a COMBINATION of the following: being alert and restless, opening mouth and turning head, putting tongue in and out, sucking on hand or fist.
Kangaroo mother care is a special method of care where at-risk babies are carried, with skin-to-skin contact with the mother or caregiver. This method of care:
Provides the baby with warmth and closeness to the mother’s breast and can help to regulate the body temperature of small and low birthweight babies.
Encourages early and exclusive breastfeeding, either by direct feeding or using expressed breastmilk given by cup.
Allows different caregivers to share in the care of the baby. Fathers and other members of the family can be taught to use the same kangaroo method, including a skin-to-skin wrap and semi-reclined position.
