Some breastfed babies, especially those born very small or very big, may need some supplementary feeds in the first few days as your milk comes in. This is particularly important if they need blood sugar monitoring and their sugars dip low.
If you are at Palmerston North Hospital, then you have two options – pasteurised human donor milk or formula. If you are in a primary unit, then they may or may not have access to donor milk, and formula may be your only option.
You can express colostrum antenatally, which is the first choice for top ups for most whānau. Antenatal colostrum expressing can be done from around 36 weeks, so this is not usually a viable option for premature babies.
Donor milk (sometimes calls PDHM) comes from the Whangai Ora Milk Bank, and supply is prioritised for premature babies and those at high risk. You may be able to access a small amount to top up your baby while you work on your supply. Some families prefer this as it can help protect your breastfeeding journey while you build up your supply.
Some families prefer formula for top ups for any number of reasons, and this is available at the hospital and primary units for babies who need it, or whose parents are choosing formula from the start. If you prefer to bring your own formula, the hospital or primary unit can supply clean boiled water to make it up with.