Your NICU Breastfeeding Journey
We recommend that all premature and sick babies receive breast milk, as along with nutrition, it provides many benefits that enhance their health and wellbeing. However, The Coombe respects and supports all families in their feeding choices.
As there are unique considerations and challenges in relation to breastfeeding a premature baby, we have developed a series of videos especially for women who experience, or are at risk of, a pre-term birth. Topics include: the benefits of breastfeeding, expressing breast milk, boosting milk supply, and premature babies’ journey to exclusive breastfeeding.
Remember, breastfeeding is a learned skill, it takes time, commitment and patience for mother and baby to become skilled at it. This is especially true for a premature or sick baby.
A special thank you to all the mothers and babies who assisted us in the development of these videos. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Premature & Sick Babies
In this video, we discuss the benefits of breast milk to include:
Many more ingredients than formula milk.
Essential amino acids for muscle and brain development.
Taste fats, which are important components of the immune system, cardiovascular system and nervous system.
Enzymes to encourage chemical reactions in the body.
Human milk, oligosaccharides to feed healthy bacteria in the gut.
Expressing Breastmilk for Premature & Sick Babies
In this video, we discuss the importance of expressing breast milk for premature and sick babies if they are not able to breastfeed directly.
Reasons to hand express include:
Premature birth
Maternal/infant separation
If baby cannot breastfeed
Visit Stanford Medicine for information on the Hand Expression of Milk.
Boosting Milk Supply for Premature & Sick Babies
In this video, we discuss how to increase your milk supply.
Premature Babies Journey to Exclusive Breastfeeding
In this video, we discuss your premature babies’ journey to exclusive breastfeeding.
Our NICU Lactation Services
This video discusses the benefits of breastmilk for premature and sick babies, along with outlining our lactation services in the NICU.
Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
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Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X