The video below, a news report on the benefits of breastmilk for premature babies, has been making the rounds. I forget that not everyone knows stuff like this! So let me say that while I see both sides of the breastfeeding/formula debate for healthy term infants, we need to acknowledge that breastmilk makes a much more life-and-death difference for premature babies. This semester in our breastfeeding class, we've heard about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) multiple times. In NICUs where all babies get breastmilk, it is virtually non-existent. Among the many other benefits of breastmilk for premature infants, this is a very clear-cut one that combats a life-threatening illness.
If you know a mother with a premature baby who for any reason can't breastfeed or pump, you should 1) Help her find a lactation consultant who can assist her and 2) Get her in touch with a milk bank so her baby can receive donated milk.
Watch CBS Videos Online
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