Q&A: What Are the Benefits?

Your milk is not just food. Human milk also protects babies from illness and has special components that help a baby’s body and immune system mature. Preterm babies are more vulnerable to illness, and their brains are less mature than those born full-term. Holding your preemie skin to skin and offering her your breast also helps her development, even if she is too young to actually take milk directly from your breast yet.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.