This might be because he is premature, has breathing problems and needs oxygen or a ventilator, has an infection or has low blood sugar level. In these cases feeding will be by an intravenious infusion (IV OR "drip"), which will give him the fluid and sugar he needs

A tube will be passed through his mouth to drain any air and fluid from his stomach and to allow his lungs to expand properly.
When he does start milk feeds, this same tube is used to supply the milk directly into his stomach because he will not yet be able to suck.
This does not cause your baby distress.

The feeds will start as small amounts every one or two hours and increase as he digests the milk. The IV will continue until he is tolerating the full amount of milk.

Nursing staff will let you know when you can give your baby a breast or bottle feed. At first, so that he does not get too tired, only occasional sucking feeds are given.

Bottlefeeding

These days bottle feeding can be a safe and satisfactory alternative to breast feeding. Try to feed in quiet, restful surroundings, giving your baby your undivided attention during the feed. There are a number of different infant formulas available.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE A FORTIFIED INFANT FORMULA UNTIL YOUR BABY IS AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.

These fortified formulas with added vitamin and minerals are made to resemble breast milk. Cow's and goat's milk are different from breast milk. Neither of these contain the correct balance of nutrients for young infants. Some of the main differences between full strength cow's (and goat's) milk and breast milk are:

• protein content in cow's milk is much higher and makes a tougher and larger curd.
• the type of fat in cow's milk is more difficult to digest
• salt content in cow's milk is higher which may give the kidneys extra work
• important vitamins and minerals are at lower levels in cow's and goat's milk
• An additional problem with goat's milk is the low folic acid content

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT GOAT'S MILK SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR YOUNG INFANTS UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.

When using the recommended infant formula, making up the correct dilutions with water is also very important. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the formula container to make the milk to the correct strength.
Each baby has individual needs.
Just as breast fed babies vary in the amount of milk they drink so do formula fed babies.
This may very from the manufacturer's suggested guidelines on the formula container. If you need more information you may wish to consult your doctor or community nurse.

Your baby will benefit from the antibodies in expressed breast milk (EBM) which helps protect against disease. And you will find it a very rewarding experience.

It doesn't matter if you don't express much milk - your baby doesn't need much at this stage. To increase your supply, drink lots of fluids, eat a good diet and have plenty of rest. Should you find your milk supply is still not very good, ask your baby's doctor or nurse about medication to help stimulate your milk production.

Even though it may take some time to establish breastfeeding, it is a natural way for your baby to feed and your closeness will help him to stay warm and relaxed.

If you are an inpatient, electric breast pumps are available in the NIC Unit and in the postnatal ward to help you express milk. Likewise, you may borrow an electric pump from NNICUPS to take home while your baby is still in the NIC Unit. Otherwise, they are readily available at some Chemists for hire.