Breastfeeding a Preemie: Expectations & Challenges

In this episode, we discuss the realities and obstacles of breastfeeding a premature baby. Jacqueline welcomes Jodi Klaristenfield, the founder of FLRRiSH, to share her personal experience of giving birth at 28 weeks due to a life-threatening condition. Gain insights into breastfeeding in the NICU, supplementing with formula, finding support during your NICU stay, and identifying ties and proper sucking and swallowing techniques.

Jodi's personal journey inspired her to create FLRRiSH, a comprehensive platform dedicated to providing NICU parent education, empowerment, support, and resources. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and guidance on navigating the beautiful yet demanding journey of breastfeeding a preemie.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The crucial role of breastmilk for premature babies
• How lactation works when a baby is still supposed to be in utero
• Strategies for bonding with your NICU baby, even without breastfeeding
• Techniques for fortifying breastmilk with formula within the NICU
• Where to seek support as a parent of a premature baby
• Identifying ties and diagnosing proper sucking and swallowing in preemies

A glance at this episode:

• [5:45] Jodi’s background and why she created FLRRiSH
• [8:38] What it’s like to be a parent to a preemie
• [10:52] How can lactation work when you have a premature baby
• [14:54] Supplementing with a premature baby
• [18:30] Ways that moms can bond with their babies in the NICU if they can’t breastfeed
• [22:17] The importance of kangaroo care for preemies
• [27:18] The transition from tube feeding to sucking and swallowing
• [33:32] Some issues that are impending feeding
• [43:38] The importance of community and having a support system
• [49:04] Advice from Jodi for moms who are going through similar situations

Related Links:

• NICU Connection Circle June 20th Use code Welcome10 to get $10 off your ticket
• Jodi’s Website
• Jodi’s Facebook

& so much more
A bi-monthly podcast where we share the stories of our Caregivers, patients and...

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Chapters

• 5:45 Jodi’s background and why she created FLRRiSH
• 8:38 What it’s like to be a parent to a preemie
• 10:52 How can lactation work when you have a premature baby
• 14:54 Supplementing with a premature baby
• 15:11 [Ad] & so much more
• 16:01 (Cont.) Supplementing with a premature baby
• 19:19 Ways that moms can bond with their babies in the NICU if they can’t breastfeed
• 23:06 The importance of kangaroo care for preemies
• 28:07 The transition from tube feeding to sucking and swallowing
• 34:21 Some issues that are impending feeding
• 44:27 The importance of community and having a support system
• 49:53 Advice from Jodi for moms who are going through similar situations