Babies born before 35 weeks often have difficulty with sucking, swallowing and breathing while feeding.

They are usually put on a nasal gastric tube (NG).

This tube goes down your baby's nose and into his stomach. Small amounts of breast milk or formula are given to your baby through this tube. This is called a gavage feeding.

Very premature babies are given intravenous fluids, a mix of nutrients and sugar until they are old enough to suck and swallow.