Photo Credit: : SOS Préma

Each year, WBW is an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and its role in our society, including in more specific cases such as prematurity. When it comes to a premature baby, the challenges can seem even greater. However, breast milk becomes even more vital for these little warriors! 👑

In France, around 60,000 babies are born prematurely each year, representing about 8% of births according to SOS Préma. Given these numbers, it’s important to understand how breastfeeding can provide vital support for these often fragile newborns. So, what are the main challenges and benefits of breastfeeding a premature baby? As part of World Breastfeeding Week, we’re here to give you a quick overview! 🔎👶

Breastfeeding a baby born prematurely can become quite an adventure, filled with both joys and challenges. The first hurdle to overcome? The baby’s ability to suckle. Premature babies, especially those born before 34 weeks, have not yet developed the coordination needed to properly suck, swallow, and breathe at the same time. This means that the baby isn’t always able to feed directly from the breast. 🤱

In such cases, expressing milk, often with the help of a breast pump, becomes necessary. This milk is then fed to the baby through a tube or bottle, allowing them to benefit from all the properties of breast milk while waiting to develop the ability to nurse. Beyond the physical challenges, prematurity also brings a significant emotional impact for mothers, who often face separation from their baby during periods of care. In these stressful times, it is essential to have strong support, particularly from healthcare professionals, lactation consultants, or associations like SOS Préma. ✨

While breastfeeding may seem challenging at first, it is an incredible source of benefits for premature babies! Breast milk is often considered a natural medicine for babies who need to gain weight quickly. Rich in nutrients (proteins, sugars, vitamins, and minerals), antibodies, and growth factors, breast milk is perfectly suited to the needs of premature babies. In fact, the milk produced by mothers of premature babies is even more concentrated in proteins and antibodies than milk for full-term babies, providing optimal nutritional support to encourage their growth. The human body is fascinating, isn’t it? 🙏

Preterm milk helps strengthen the immune system of premature babies and reduces the risk of infections, such as respiratory or intestinal infections, which are more common in premature infants. Moreover, breast milk is easier to digest, helping to reduce issues like reflux and colic in your little one.

Every mother goes through ups and downs, but it’s essential to be brave enough to ask for help or support. Whether it’s from professionals or your loved ones, don’t isolate yourself. Most importantly, never forget that you are a force of nature, and so is your baby!

Take care of yourself and your baby, trust yourself, and allow yourself to receive support. 💪🌸

To mark this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Tajinebanane has partnered with Ciment Soaps to support mothers of premature babies. We have created a special box of unique "boobs" soaps in collaboration with Ciment, and all profits from this initiative will be donated to the SOS Préma association, which provides daily support to parents and children affected by prematurity. It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine usefulness with pleasure while supporting an important cause. 💛

• Book - “Mes seins, mon choix” by Anne-Florence Salvetti-Lionne:
  “This lively analysis of changing attitudes questions the history of breastfeeding from a feminist perspective.”
• Podcast - Bliss Stories - Maternité sans filtre:
  “A candid podcast featuring testimonials about pregnancy and childbirth. Real, powerful, emotional, and fascinating stories to share without moderation.”
• Website - La Leche League France:
  “A network of volunteer mothers aimed at supporting breastfeeding and nurturing. Its mission is to help mothers breastfeed their babies.”
• Documentary - La Voie Lactée:
  “A documentary that equips women with the information, arguments, and confidence to trust their bodies, their babies, and themselves on this unique journey.”
• Association - SOS Préma:
  “SOS Préma fights to give all premature children the best chance to thrive through various missions.”
• Association - DisDameDonc:
  “A general interest association committed to better addressing women's specific needs in the field of health.”