Feeding a baby with a syringe is an inevitable choice when a baby can’t nurse from the breast. Generally, babies are born with an innate ability to suckle and consume breast milk. However, there may be various reasons why a baby can’t do it. In such instances, feeding a baby with a syringe can help them consume breast milk. Breast milk is vital for babies as it helps them stay nourished and hydrated. Besides, it provides them antibodies that help against illnesses (1). Hence, syringe feeding is recommended until the baby starts breastfeeding naturally. Read this post to know about syringe feeding, when it is needed, steps to feed your baby with a syringe, and precautions to observe.
What Is Syringe Feeding?
Syringe feeding allows the baby to consume the mother’s milk through specialized infant feeding syringes. The breast milk is expressed into a sterile vessel and drawn into a feeding syringe. The technique is quite commonly used to feed colostrum, which is very low in volume, to newborns unable to breastfeed. During syringe feeding, the tip of the syringe is placed on the side of the baby’s mouth to enable feeding. Some syringes have an attached fine feeding tube, which can be inserted into the baby’s mouth. The type of syringe used may vary depending on several factors, including the doctor’s recommendation, your baby’s health, and reasons behind the baby’s inability to breastfeed.
When Is Syringe Feeding Done?
Syringe feeding is practiced when breastfeeding is not possible because the baby cannot suckle or the mother cannot breastfeed. Below are certain scenarios where syringe feeding may be considered (2).
Preterm babies with poor primitive reflexes Drowsy baby due to labor-inducing drugs Babies recovering from birth interventions Babies born with medical conditions or birth defects, such as cleft lip or cleft palate Baby is unable to latch on the breast temporarily Mother is unable to feed her baby immediately
How To Feed A Newborn With A Syringe?
Below are the steps involved in feeding a baby with a syringe (3) (4). In most cases, babies who are syringe-fed may be required to stay in the hospital for extra time. Therefore, the mother may find support from a midwife, nurse, or lactation consultant who can guide and assist her during syringe feeding.
Tips And Precautions When Syringe Feeding
Here are some useful tips and precautions to safely syringe-feed your baby (5) (6).
