In the first part of this well-referenced monograph, Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC describes the late preterm infant, discusses contributors to late preterm birth, and explains the importance of the last six weeks of gestation. She discusses the impact of birth interventions on breastfeeding the late preterm infant and explains why mothers of late preterm infants may be at increased risk of delayed lactogenesis II.In the second part of the monograph, Walker discusses breastfeeding management guidelines for the late preterm infant. This includes issues the late preterm infant may face, such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory instability, hypotonia, and immature feeding skills, and their impact on breastfeeding. She covers how to provide latch assistance, assess feedings at the breast, when to supplement, how to use bottles and artificial nipples, how to help others initiate and maintain maternal milk supply, and ways to optimize milk production. Walker includes information on individualized feeding plans for moms to follow after discharge, including a sample plan. This monograph is full of pictures, graphs, and resources and is a must-have for all healthcare providers who help mothers breastfeed late preterm infants.
