Feeding your new-born with a syringe offers an easy and gentle solution when traditional feeding methods such as breastfeeding or bottle-feeding have to be avoided. Using this method is common mostly in cases where babies seem to require extra assistance through delivery, such as premature conditions, failure to latch while feeding, or the need to deliver minor yet critical amounts of colostrum.
What Is Syringe Feeding?
Syringe feeding is a feeding method during which a small syringe is filled with milk, formula, or colostrum so that it can be instilled directly into a newborn's mouth. This enables an accurate amount of intake so that feeding may be completed if it is difficult at first for the newborn, and this method is preferred by pediatricians or even lactation consultants when giving advice on breastfeeding or bottlefeeding.
This feeding technique is ideal during the first few days of life when mothers secrete colostrum. This nutrient-rich, yellowish milk contains antibodies, proteins, and other nutrients vital for the baby. As colostrum is secreted in limited amounts, syringe feeding prevents any drop from going to waste. Colostrum has come to be known as "liquid gold" because of its vast health benefits, which includes building up the baby's immunity and facilitating a good gut flora.
When Should You Feed Your Newborn with Syringe?
Syringe feeding is appropriate in several situations, such as when breastfeeding or bottle-feeding isn't possible or is not going well. Some of the most common examples are as follows:
- Latching Issues
Some babies may not latch on the breast properly due to issues such as tongue-tie, improper latch, or just because they are learning. Syringe feeding can provide nutrition while the mother and baby work with a lactation consultant to address these challenges.
- Premature or Low Birth Weight Babies
Most premature or underweight babies are often too weak or lack coordination in breastfeeding. Syringe feeding ensures they get all necessary nutrients without using up more energy.
- Supplement Nutrition
In cases where a new born fails to gain sufficient weight or experiences low levels of blood sugar, supplemental colostrum through syringe feeding may supplement breastfeeding with formula.
- Medical Needs Special Conditions
Babies with cleft palate, tongue-tie, or other medical issues can be syringe-fed for some time until remedial steps are taken.
- Colostrum Feeding
In situations where the mother has collected colostrum before birth or after delivery, a syringe proves to be useful for administering small quantities of this essential milk to the baby.
- Bonding Time for Non-Breastfeeding Parents
Syringe feeding will allow both partners or caregivers to be actively involved in the feeding of the newborn, allowing for bonding and involvement with the baby.
How to Feed a Newborn With a Syringe?
Feeding the baby by syringe has to be very cautious as well as very patient on the part of the feeding person. It has the following steps:
Step 1: Prepare Syringe
- Use a clean and sterile syringe (usually 1-5 ml for colostrum).
- Draw the milk or colostrum into the syringe. If the milk is stored, warm it to body temperature by placing it in warm water.
Step 2: Position the Baby:
- Hold your baby in an upright or semi-upright position, supporting their head and neck with hands or a nursing pillow.
- Make sure the baby's head is slightly tilted back to prevent choking.
Step 3: Insert the Syringe:
- Insert the syringe into the side of the baby's mouth, pointing toward the cheek. Do not point it toward the throat.
Step 4: Feed Gradually:
- Feed by gently pushing the plunger down to release small drops of milk. Give the baby a chance to swallow after every drop.
- Feed at your baby's pace and stop if they seem full or uncomfortable.
Tips and Precautions for Feeding Newborns Colostrum with Syringe?
When feeding colostrum with a syringe, these tips and precautions can help ensure a safe and stress-free experience for both you and your baby:
- Always wash your hands and sterilize the syringe before use to minimize the risk of infection.
- Keep syringes and lids out of reach of your baby or other small children to avoid accidents.
- A syringe with a 1-2 ml capacity is ideal for colostrum, as it is produced in small amounts.
- Avoid applying too much pressure on the plunger, as this can overwhelm the baby. Wait for your baby to swallow before giving them another small amount. Continue this process until the feeding is complete.
- Pay attention to your baby’s reactions. If they appear distressed or are not swallowing, pause and adjust.
- Holding your baby close during feeding promotes bonding and can stimulate milk production.
- Do not allow your baby to suck milk from the syringe and also do not squirt it directly into their mouth. Overfeeding or choking may result.
Other Tools for Feeding Your Newborn Colostrum
Besides syringe feeding, there are many effective gentle ways to deliver colostrum to a newborn. As such, each technique has its merits and allows a selection process on what works best for the baby's needs and comfort from parents to parents. We will see that discussed in details below:
- Momcozy Colostrum Reusable Breast Milk Collector
Most novel is the Momcozy Colostrum Reusable Breast Milk Collector. This piece of equipment is perfect for new mothers who want efficiency and hygiene in handling their colostrum.
Key Features of Momcozy Colostrum Collector:
- 100% food grade silicone: It is perfectly safe for mom and baby, thus a great choice of equipment.
- Ergonomics are soft and easy to handle when one makes this effort and manages comfort on the expression of colostrum.
- Leak-proof and reusable-the most eco-friendly and practical way of avoiding precious wastage of colostrum.
- Convenient storage: Mom can express directly into the collector, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and use at her convenience.
- Compact and portable: Available to be carried home or taken to the hospital.
The Momcozy Colostrum Collector minimizes waste and makes the process of feeding colostrum much easier for parents, who can then be sure that every drop of this precious nourishment is saved.
- Spoon Feeding
Spoon feeding is a very simple, gentle method through which you can give your baby small amounts of colostrum directly. This method is very useful when only a few drops of colostrum are available.
How to Feed Using a Spoon:
- Use a small, sterilized plastic or silicone spoon.
- Express colostrum directly onto the spoon.
- Gently touch the spoon to your baby's lips and wait.
- Your baby will instinctively smell the milk, thrust the tongue forward, and suck or drink the colostrum.
- Do not put milk in your baby's mouth to avoid choking.
It is easy to practice both in the hospital and at home, and spoon feeding becomes a practical alternative if your baby does not like being syringe fed.
- Cup Feeding
Cup feeding is appropriate for giving babies slightly larger volumes of colostrum, usually more than 5 ml. This way, babies can use their natural feeding reflexes but regulate how much and how fast they take in the milk.
How to Cup Feed:
- Sterilize a small feeding cup or use a pre-sterilized, single-use cup in hospitals.
- Fill the cup to no more than two-thirds full with colostrum or milk.
- Rest the rim of the cup on your baby’s upper lip and gently touch their lower lip.
- Slowly tilt the cup so that the milk lightly touches their lips, then wait.
- Your baby will smell the milk, push their tongue forward, and lap it up naturally.
Cup feeding is particularly beneficial because it mimics the tongue and jaw movements used in breastfeeding, helping babies transition smoothly when they are ready to nurse.
- Finger Feeder
The finger feeder is attaching a thin feeding tube to your finger. This will allow the baby to suckle like he or she is nursing while receiving milk straight into the mouth. It is one of the first recommendations made by lactation consultants to encourage a baby's suckling reflex and while helping a baby to learn how to nurse.
Steps to Finger Feed:
- Wash and sanitize your hands.
- Attach a feeding tube to a syringe filled with colostrum or milk.
- Put the tube by your finger, fixing it lightly.
- Introduce your finger and tube to the mouth of your baby while allowing them to suck in the milk that drops at a slow rate.
Finger feeding is very beneficial for premature or weak babies to encourage them to suck to develop their sucking power.
FAQs About Syringe Feeding
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What is the best position to syringe feed a baby?
Syringe feeding is done by holding the baby upright or semi-upright, cradling your baby with their head slightly elevated and supported to prevent choking, allowing gravity to assist them in swallowing. This is one of the most natural ways of feeding and keeps milk from pooling in the baby's mouth.
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When to stop syringe feeding?
Syringe feeding is only employed for a short period or during certain situations, such as the baby's inability to latch and premature birth or for requiring little colostrums. You should discontinue syringe feeding when:
- Your baby can efficiently latch on the breast or bottle.
- They manifest more enhanced sucking reflex.
- A healthcare provider recommends you to change and opt for other feeding methods.
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Can I feed formula by syringe?
Yes, you can syringe feed formula if breastfeeding is not an option, or if your health care provider advises it. Always prepare the formula following the manufacturer's guidelines and use a sterilized syringe to feed your baby. Formula syringe feeding is often applied when a newborn needs only a small amount of nutrition.
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How long does breast milk last in a syringe?
Breast milk in a syringe should be used as soon as possible after filling, especially if left at room temperature. General guidelines for stored breast milk are:
- At room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C): Use within 4 hours.
- In the refrigerator (39°F or 4°C): Use within 4 days.
- In the freezer (-4°F or -20°C): Use within 6 months (optimal), but can be stored for up to 12 months in a deep freezer.
- If the syringe has been used, any leftover milk should be discarded to prevent contamination.
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How to sterilize a feeding syringe?
To sterilize a feeding syringe, follow these steps:
- Disassemble the syringe into separate parts (plunger and barrel).
- Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove milk residue.
- Rinse with fresh water.
Sterilize by one of the following:
- Place all syringe parts in a pan of boiling water and leave them there for 5-10 minutes
- Use baby bottle sterilizer, following manufacturers' instructions
- Use a cold water sterilizing solution or tablets according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allow the syringe to air dry on a clean, sterile surface before reassembling.
- Alternatively, for a hassle-free option, consider the Momcozy Colostrum Collector, which comes pre-sterilized. This eliminates the need for sterilization while providing a safe and convenient way to collect and feed colostrum. Learn more about its benefits here.
Conclusion
Syringe feeding can safely and effectively provide nutrition to your newborn during challenging times. Remember, each baby is different, and consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can help to identify specific concerns and tailor feeding solutions. Syringe feeding can be a very useful step in your parenting journey with patience and care.
