Created by Marianne Pastore, RN MassGeneral Hospital for Children
BREAST-FEEDING BASICS
All babies benefit from breast-feeding or receiving breast milk. Breast-feeding can:
- Promote eye and brain development
Lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Improve mouth and tongue coordination, which will help speech skills
Create a special bond with your baby
There are, however, special benefits for babies with Down syndrome:
- Babies with Down syndrome have a higher risk of infection. The mother’s body makes antibodies, which she passes on to her baby during breast-feeding. Antibodies help protect your baby against infection.
Breast milk is very easy to digest, and this is helpful for infants who may have stomach problems related to Down syndrome.
Skin to skin contact during breast-feeding helps stimulate babies who have low muscle tone, or weak muscles.
GETTING STARTED
When any baby learns to breast-feed, it takes time and patience. Getting off to the best start helps you and your baby succeed with breast-feeding.
- Start breast-feeding as soon after birth as possible.
Have skin to skin contact with your baby as much as you can. Touch helps increase the breast-feeding hormones. A baby is also likely to begin rooting or nuzzling at the breast and may actually latch-on when having skin to skin contact.
Feed your baby often, 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, including feedings during the night.
Get comfortable before you start to feed.
Position your baby so their body and chin are well supported. This is especially helpful for a
baby with low muscle tone. The nurses will help you with this in the hospital.
Know where to go for help and support after you leave the hospital.
IS MY BABY GETTING ENOUGH MILK?
You can be sure your baby is getting enough milk if you watch for the following:
- Your baby should be breast-feeding 8 to 12 times in 24 hours
After a week, your baby should have 6 to 8 wet diapers and 3 bowel movements that are yellow, soft and seedy
Your baby with Down syndrome should gain at least 4 ounces per week
BREAST-FEEDING CHALLENGES
Babies with Down syndrome may face some special challenges that might affect breast-feeding. There are many things you can do to work through these challenges and have success.
Low muscle tone
Your baby may have low muscle tone, or weak muscles, especially in their tongue and lips. To help babies with low muscle tone during breast- feeding, do the following:
- Keep your baby’s body and chin well supported
- Support the base of your baby’s head with your hand. Too much pressure on the back of your baby’s head can cause a poor latch.
Sleepiness
Your baby may be extra sleepy, which can affect feeding patterns. Babies who fall asleep may also not get enough milk, especially the end milk or “hind milk.” End milk has extra fat and calories which help your baby to grow.
- Dim the lights in the room so your baby doesn’t have to close his or her eyes against the light
Remove all of your baby’s clothing except the diaper to help keep him or her alert
Wash your baby’s face with a wet cloth
Gently stroke and talk to your baby during the feed
Compress and massage your breast while breast-feeding. This will help the milk flow and keep your baby interested in breast-feeding.
Tongue Thrusting
Babies with Down syndrome may have a protruding tongue that pushes against your nipple. To help these babies breast-feed, try the following:
- Wait for your baby to open wide (like a yawn) with his tongue forward and down
Gently press down on your baby’s chin. Opening the jaw will help the tongue come forward.
Teach your baby how to keep his or her tongue down. Put your index finger on the center of your baby’s tongue. Push down and gently pull your finger out.
Allow your baby to suck on your finger so he develops rhythmic sucking rather than biting.
WHAT IF MY BABY IS NOT BREAST-FEEDING?
Some babies might not breast-feed while at the hospital. Your medical staff can help you create
an individual feeding plan to make sure your baby gets all the nutrition he needs to grow and thrive. After you leave the hospital, you will meet often with your pediatrician who will help make changes to the feeding plan as needed. During this time, it is important to build and protect your milk supply. Building a milk supply usually happens if your baby is breast-feeding a lot. If your baby is not breast-feeding, the medical staff will help teach you how to get a double electric breast pump and how to pump your breasts. In the end, some babies do not breast-feed. However, giving your baby your breast milk from a pump will still give your baby all the wonderful benefits.
SUPPORT
Your nurse in the hospital will help you with breast-feeding. She will also arrange a visit with
a lactation, or breast-feeding, consultant during your stay. The more help and support you have, the more successful you will be. It is important to check with your pediatrician to see if they have a staff member who can help with breast-feeding or make a referral to someone who can. Ask your nurse in the hospital for available resources. Zipmilk.org is a great website that can provide you with Lactation Consultants, La Leche League Groups and other support groups in your community.
This is intended to provide health related information so that you may be be er informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor’s medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.
