Feeding

Feeding is especially important for premature babies. Those who get some of their mother’s milk do better, so think seriously about breastfeeding. Even if you can’t stay with your baby all the time, you can express milk for the nurses to give while you are away. Some small babies can’t suck properly at first and are fed by a fine tube which is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach.

You and your partner can still touch and probably hold your baby. The tube isn’t painful, so you needn’t worry about it being in the way or hurting your baby.

Information provided by Health Promotion England.