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A very low-birthweight premature infant on a ventilator. The baby
girl was born at 26 weeks 6 days gestation and weighed only
2.18 pounds. (photo by ceejayoz / Wikimedia Commons)
An update on the health situation of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s 19th child included the information that little Josie Brooklyn is taking breast milk. Josie Duggar was born prematurely on December 10, weighing only 1 pound 6 ounces.
Freda Ruark, sister of Michelle Duggar, told ABC news on December 16, 2009, that Josie Duggar was doing well and had been able to keep down two out of three breast milk feedings.
Why is breastfeeding premature babies important?
Premature babies face extra challenges in life. This is especially true for micro-preemies who are born very early and have extremely low birth weights. These babies have not had time to fully develop their internal organs or receive immune system protection from their mothers. As they grow, they are prone to infection and do not do as well developmentally as their full-term counterparts.
The human body is an amazing thing, though. It knows when a baby has come early and tries to protect the infant by producing special breast milk to compensate for some of what was missed in the womb. Preterm breast milk differs from full-term milk in that it is higher in calories and contains more protein, calcium phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and chloride.
As with full-term breast milk, preterm milk offers immune system protection through the antibodies found in colostrum. Colostrum contains high amounts of immunoglobulin A, which helps a preemie fight off infections (especially in their weakest areas of the lungs and intestines) and special white cells called leukocytes, which protect the baby from bacteria and viruses. Immune system protection continues even after the breasts switch from producing colostrum to normal breast milk.
Another benefit of colostrum is the aid it offers the underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract of premature babies. Colostrum has a laxative effect that helps the baby pass stools.
The effects of breastfeeding premature babies
Several studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding premature babies, especially very low-birthweight (VLBW) preemies who weigh 2.2 pounds or less. One study published in NeoReviews stated breastfeeding VLBW preemies “decreased morbidities” and protected the babies from “from infectious, inflammatory, and oxidant injury.”
Another study showed VLBW preemies who received breast milk while still in neonatal intensive care were able to switch from intravenous feedings to feeding tubes faster, left the intensive care unit sooner, and required less re-hospitalizations than preemies who did not have breast milk. In addition, the breast milk babies had higher scores on mental development and motor skill tests at the ages of 18 months and 30 months than the non-breast milk fed preemies.
For more info: For more information on breastfeeding premature babies, please visit the La Leche League International website. For breastfeeding support in the Indianapolis area, please contact the La Leche League of Indianapolis at 317-592-9581 (24 hour hotline).
Related information: Michelle Duggar's 19th child is born as a micro-preemie. What is a micro-preemie?
Comments
Thanks for the great information. Only a few years ago my friend with micro-premies was told that her babies couldn't handle breastmilk and had to have formula. I'm so glad to hear that not only can they have it, but it gives so many benefits.
~ Alicia Bayer (Mankato Attachment Parenting Examiner)
Great update!!! My only question is why do these people keep breeding?!!!!
That's good news.
Good news!
Glad to see the baby is doing fine!
Ft Lauderdale Science News Examiner
Space News Examiner
Times have changed so much. 14 yrs ago the hospital and nurses discouraged (and darn near made it impossible) to breast feed my daughter while she was in the hospital after her birth.
is michelle pregeant again yet baby is 2 weeks old??????
Great information!
Lol at the Princess comment!
Great!
Congradulations! On the new addition to your family. I hope that she gets to come home from the Hospital pretty soon Michele.
i heard that josie was releasd from the hospital on april 6 then rushed back on april 8 due to minor stomach problems but i hope she gets better
josie is now doing great says jimbob dugger since she was rushed back to the hospital on april 8 2010 josie dugger was brought home on april 6 2010 but then on april 8th at 3 am in the morning josie was rushed due to minor stomach problems josie was soppsed to be born march 18 2010 but was born on december 10 when she was born she weighed 1 pound 6 onz josie now weighs 4 lbs and can soon see her brothers and sisters josh jana john-david jill jessa jinjer josiph josiah joy-anna jenidiah jerimiah jason james jusin jackson jenifer and jordan
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