Mother's Milk (ASI) is known to have a myriad of health benefits for babies, especially for babies born faster or premature. The baby's stomach is easier to digest breast milk than formula milk. In addition, breast milk contains growth hormones that help the baby grow and become stronger. Breast milk will also help the digestive of vulnerable babies to be more perfect and help fight infection.
Do not stop there, the liquid is often dubbed as 'liquid gold' because of its benefits, proven in recent research that its use can make the functions and structure of the heart of premature babies to be better for the long term.
A gynecologist said that the benefits of breast milk for premature babies are huge. In the short term, breast milk provides protective antibodies and helps produce important intestinal flora. While in the long run, ASI is effective in improving the perfection of the structure and function of the heart. What's more, many premature babies are exposed to the risk of heart development disorders that occur in the first few months of life. These problems cause a decrease in heart function later in life, smaller heart chambers, and thickening of the heart muscle.
The researchers found that compared with those born on time, premature babies are known to have worse heart function and decreased heart volume as adults. However, if children born prematurely are always getting exclusive breastfeeding, their heart function and volume can be better than premature born children who are given formula milk.
The results of the study stated that although preterm birth certainly had an impact on delayed child development, the nutritional content of breast milk seems to be able to improve heart development. Even the best infant formula still has many shortcomings, including the lack of several growth nutritional factors, enzymes, and antibodies for infant development as all of them are completely contained in breast milk.
This extraordinary finding surprised experts because it was previously completely unknown that breast milk would have a certain protective effect on the development of a baby's heart. Researchers had guessed that this might happen, but they were surprised by the size of the effect produced by breast milk.
According to findings in the study, although exclusive breastfeeding does not change the thickness of the heart wall, giving exclusive breastfeeding to premature babies can help it grow into an adult who has the size and function of the heart close to the heart of an ideal adult who is born normally.
Tips on Breastfeeding for Premature Babies
Premature breastfeeding can be a challenge for her, so naturally she will need more intense support or perhaps a consultation with a breastfeeder specifically. Some of the following tips might help take care of your premature baby.
- Spend as much time as possible close to the baby, even if you are not in good enough condition. However, this is actually quite important to help Mother increase breast milk production and begin to build a breastfeeding routine.
- Be patient and keep trying. At first, the baby may only lick Mother's breasts, then start making a few puffs until the baby finally has the confidence to actually suckle. Over time, this natural process will encourage the baby's reflexes in sucking and help him get used to breastfeeding regularly.
- If the baby is still not ready to suckle, it means the mother needs to express milk to facilitate the supply of milk. Mother is recommended to blush 8-10 times a day, including once at night.
- If Mother has an obstacle to producing her own milk, try to consult with a pediatrician. In addition, you can give donor milk to your baby, at least until your milk production is smooth. However, make sure that the donor ASI comes from a clear source beforehand.
Mother, as much as possible give exclusive breastfeeding to the baby. Breast milk is very important, especially for premature babies and babies who are sick. Apart from that, breastfeeding has various health benefits for babies, including reducing the risk of asthma, obesity, leukemia, eczema, and ear infections.
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