Many term or near-term infants will be ready to begin breast or bottle feedings on the day of admission to the NICU. Babies who are more ill or less mature may require additional recovery time before their digestive systems are able to digest milk. These babies' initial nutritional needs can be met with special intravenous fluids, known as hyperalimentation or total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

As babies recover and mature, feedings are gradually introduced. Premature infants less than 32 to 35 weeks of gestational age generally cannot nipple feed effectively. These babies are initially given gavage (tube) feedings. Gavage feeding is performed by passing a thin plastic tube gently through the baby's nose and into the stomach. Initially, these feedings may be continuous, and later, progress to every 2 to 3 hours. A container of breast milk or formula is connected to the tube and slowly dripped into the baby's stomach. After the feeding, the tube will be left in place. As your baby matures, you may be able to hold or "kangaroo hold" your baby during gavage feedings. Holding your infant helps you and your baby establish a special bond.

As babies become stronger and more mature they begin to take some bottle feedings, and breast feeding can begin. As feeding skills improve, gavage feedings are progressively eliminated.

A lactation consultant is available to assist mothers wishing to breastfeed. Occupational therapy feeding specialists are also available to evaluate your baby's feeding progress. Be patient and persistent to help you and your baby succeed.

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615 S. New Ballas Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63141