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Looking to breastfeed a baby with down syndrome, autism, or other special needs? It may take a little extra work, but breastfeeding a baby with special needs is possible. Read on for our expert tips and advice.
How can breastfeeding help my Down syndrome baby?
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My baby has a cleft palate. How can I feed him breast milk?
My baby had to stay in the NICU after having heart surgery, and now we're having trouble getting breastfeeding started. (He’s three weeks old and seven pounds.) They gave him my milk with a bottle while...
Will I be allowed to breastfeed my baby in the NICU? Can I insist that she get breast milk?
My Down syndrome baby likes the bottle better than my breast. How can I help her breastfeed?
If you just had a baby with special needs, we're sure you have a lot on your mind. You're probably wondering what sorts of things you can and can't do...well, here's one for the can list: breastfeeding special needs children. In this section of Breastfeeding.com, we'll tell you all about breastfeeding children with Down syndrome, breastfeeding children with autism, breastfeeding children with cleft palates and more. If baby is stuck in the NICU, you can usually insist that your breast milk be given to baby in a bottle. However, once baby's NICU stay is over, you might have trouble getting baby to switch from a bottle to the breast. We'll help you out with that situation and provide support and guidance. We also have info on breastfeeding babies with cleft palates, which can prove challenging--but possible! If you're a mama who has already been through the process of breastfeeding a special needs child, new mamas can really use your feedback here. We have expert answers to all these questions, but your real mom advice is just as valuable. For new moms with special needs babies, hearing suggestions and support from mamas who have been through it before is a huge relief. If you have questions that aren't addressed here, this is the place to ask them and get some answers...and hopefully, a little peace of mind. Best of luck during this potentially difficult (but still exciting!) time.