Q. A preterm VLBW newborn (30 weeks of gestation, weight 1.30 kg) on day 8 has good sucking and is accepting 15 ml EBM RTF 3 hourly. Can we go for breastfeeding at 30 weeks of gestation?
Post Date : 12 Apr 2026
Expert Opinion:
Generally, as a rule of thumb, babies don`t have the energy and knowledge of sucking till 33 or 34 weeks of gestation. But every rule has an exception! Some babies, especially those with IUGR, behave more maturely. At 1.30 Kgs, if the baby is doing well with NO RDS, there is no reason NOT to try breastfeeding. But it needs to be attempted at the NICU with experienced nursing supervision to prevent aspiration pneumonia!