The most powerful ways we can help our babies grow and develop.

I know that as mothers of premature babies, we carry an extra burden of worry and love for our little warriors. Today, I want to share with you one of the most powerful ways we can help our babies grow and develop: breast milk.

It's important to remember that not all mothers can breastfeed due to various factors such as health issues, emotional situation, or personal choices. There is no one right path or a single way to raise a baby. Every family has their own story and circumstances, and it is crucial to respect and support the decisions of each mother. Judgment has no place, especially when it comes to parenting and feeding choices for a baby.

Surely you've heard about the importance of breast milk for all babies. But, did you know that for our preemies, this natural gift can be even more crucial? Recent scientific studies have shown exactly that.

One of these, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health in 2021, found that our little ones fed with breast milk have a greater capacity to metabolize nutrients and a lower risk of suffering from sepsis, a potentially serious infection.

In addition, The Journal of Pediatrics in 2022 showed that premature babies who receive breast milk in their early days have better chances of healthy brain development. As moms, this is something we really want for our children, right?

And that's not all, a study in Pediatrics in 2023 found that breast milk can help reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease that can affect premature babies.

Breast milk also favors the bond between us and our babies. This skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, which helps us feel more connected to our little ones and provides them with a sense of security and comfort. Moreover, breast milk adapts to our babies' needs. As they grow and change, the composition of our milk also changes to meet their nutritional needs.

If you're struggling with breastfeeding or if you can't do it for any reason, remember, you're an amazing mom and you're doing the best for your baby. There are alternatives available, such as donated breast milk, that can help you. Remember you're not alone in this journey.

In the United States, the use of donated human milk has been on the rise. According to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), over 10 million ounces of donated human milk were dispensed in the U.S. in 2022, reflecting the growing recognition of its benefits. These milk banks adhere to rigorous safety standards to ensure that donated milk is safe. It is pasteurized to eliminate bacteria and viruses while preserving most of its beneficial properties. You can find a local milk bank through resources such as HMBANA.

It's important to remember that whatever your journey may be, whether it includes breastfeeding, the use of donated milk, or formula feeding, you are doing an incredible job. The love and care you provide to your premature baby go beyond nutrition.

Here are some milk banks that can assist you:

The Milk Bank. https://linktr.ee/TheMilkBank2020

Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast https://milkbankne.org/

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin https://milkbank.org/

The Mothers' Milk Bank https://mothersmilk.org/

Among moms, we help each other. Find all the information you need to know about your premature baby at Early Bird.

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