Preterm infants are babies whose gestational age is less than 37 weeks. Since they were not fully prepared in the womb, they were brought into this world early for various reasons. All physiological functions and nutritional reserves are immature and require more attention and care than full-term infants (gestational age 38-42 weeks). Premature babies are usually admitted to a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit after birth, especially if they are less than 34 weeks gestational age. So how should parents feed and care for their premature babies when they return home?

Precautions for feeding premature infants
It is also very important for mothers to feed their premature babies. Only the correct feeding method can make the baby grow up healthily. How to feed a premature baby? Factors that moms need to consider include the timing and amount of feedings for the preterm baby, the frequency of feeding the preterm baby, the way the preterm baby is fed, and the feeding position for the preterm baby.
Note 1: Feeding time and amount of premature infants. The time for premature infants to start breastfeeding is generally 6-12 hours after birth, with sugar water first, and then breastfeeding 24 hours after birth. Preterm infants weighing around 2 kg can be fed every 3 hours. Preterm infants weighing less than 1.5 kg should be fed every 2 hours. The calculation method of milk quantity can refer to the following formula: For premature infants within 10 days, daily milk quantity (ml) = (days of birth + 10) × body weight (kg)/100. More than 10 days after birth, daily feeding amount (ml) = 1/5-1/4 body weight (kg).
Note 2: Feeding frequency in premature infants. It is best for premature infants to eat breast milk, which is easy to digest and absorb, and is not prone to diarrhea, indigestion and other diseases. Preterm infants who have the ability to pump and weigh more than 1.5 kg can directly breastfeed if the general condition is good. Start eating 1-2 times a day, 5-10 minutes each time, 2-3 minutes for the first feeding. If fatigue is not present, the timing and frequency of feedings can be gradually increased.
Note 3: Feeding methods for premature infants. You must be very careful and patient when breastfeeding premature infants, hold them up for breastfeeding, and try to avoid choking and spitting up.
If breastfeeding, the mother's milk flow is high and fast, often causing choking because the baby doesn't have time to swallow. At this time, the mother can use her fingers to pinch around the areola to slow down the flow of milk, or express some of the front milk, and then let the baby eat. Because the composition of the foremilk and hindmilk of breast milk is different, the foremilk has more protein, and the hindmilk has more fat, which is indispensable for premature infants, so it is necessary to eat one side and then eat the other side.
When artificial feeding, you need to choose the right pacifier, too big will choke, too small will be laborious. Eat immediately with each feeding, do not leave it at room temperature for too long. Nursing equipment should be cleaned and disinfected daily.
Note 4: Preterm infant feeding position. After each feeding, hold the baby upright, lie on the mother's chest, and pat the back. This is to help your baby get rid of the gas he eats while feeding so he doesn't spit up. Before 3 months, many babies will spilt milk, which is some milk flowing from the mouth after a feeding, especially if the baby is straining or moving. This is normal, just get bigger. If choking occurs, immediately turn the baby to the side or face down and pat the back to drain the milk from the nasopharynx to prevent suffocation.

Methods of nursing premature infants after discharge
If there is a premature baby in the family, you should closely observe the child from the time of birth to understand the motor and intellectual development of the premature child, so that you can seek medical attention in time when problems occur, make timely remedies, and minimize damage. Premature infants need to be cared for carefully. In terms of feeding, they need to increase the amount of feeding. The amount of meals is too large. Premature infants have insufficient sucking power, and mothers need to be patient with feeding. Premature babies are also very sensitive to temperature and changes. Parents must pay attention to keeping warm and keep close contact with doctors. When in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. At the same time, pay attention to the following aspects.
Method 1: Patient feeding. Premature infants have insufficient sucking power, so be patient when breastfeeding. Generally, in the early stage of discharge, a feeding usually takes 30-40 minutes. In the first two or three days, the baby who goes home for care after being discharged from the hospital does not need to increase the feeding amount of each meal at the original amount at the hospital, and then gradually increase the amount until he/she adapts to the environment at home.
Method 2: Adopt small, frequent, intermittent feeding methods (pull the bottle out of the mouth every minute, let the baby breathe smoothly for about ten seconds, and then continue feeding), which can reduce the occurrence of spitting up and Pressure on breathing. Preterm infants can be fed formula to promote digestion and increase nutrient absorption.
Method 3: Premature infants are more sensitive to temperature changes, so pay attention to the maintenance of body temperature and the stability of temperature to avoid getting sick.
Method 4: Regularly return to the hospital for follow-up examination and treatment. Such as audio-visual, jaundice, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal digestion, receiving preventive injections, etc. Stay in close contact with your neonatologist for a consultation. Proficient in first aid for young children, such as the treatment of spitting up milk, convulsions, and cyanosis, in case of emergency.