How to Breast-Feed a Baby with Down Syndrome

Babies born with Down Syndrome or other physical and mental challenges need the benefits of breast milk as much as, and maybe even more than, other babies. Building a healthy nursing relationship with a special-needs child may be difficult, but is beneficial to both the child and the mother.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric Breast Pumps
• Nursing Pillows
• Pillows

1. Try to nurse soon after your baby is born. You will face a lot of stress and conflicting emotions whether or not you were expecting a special-needs child. Focus, as early as possible and as best you can, on your baby's health and comfort.
2. Provide as much colostrum and breast milk as possible for your baby. Babies with Down Syndrome are susceptible to infections, and your milk will help to boost your baby's immune system.
3. Obtain a pump if your baby is reluctant to nurse or has low muscle tone and poor sucking ability. Build and maintain your milk supply by using the pump as often as necessary.
4. Be patient: it may take a few weeks for your baby to learn to nurse. In the meantime, pump your milk for your baby and feed him through a supplemental nursing system (SNS), bottle, syringe, or other feeding system.
5. Spend time with your baby skin-to-skin when you nurse him. This extra contact gives your baby the extra stimulation he needs to develop as fully as possible.
6. Stimulate your baby to nurse even if he is sleepy or sluggish; this will help him gain weight.
7. Carry your baby in a front carrier or sling to provide extra stimulation and easy nursing access.
8. Get support. Your local La Leche League or other breastfeeding support group can help you and can recommend other groups that are specifically tailored to the needs of your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give up. Breastfeeding may not come easily to your baby, but it will help you to form a strong bond with each other and will give him extra protection from many of the challenges he may face.
• If your baby needs extra support while nursing get a firm nursing pillow or some cushions to help you position him correctly and comfortably.
• If your baby has a large tongue he may have trouble latching on properly. Make sure his mouth opens wide to nurse; you may have to pull his chin down gently.
• Your baby may swallow more air than usual during feedings; burp him thoroughly and often, both during and after nursing sessions.
• Look after yourself. You will be under a lot of stress, and your baby and the rest of your family need you to stay healthy.