A baby is born ill, and is taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) immediately after birth. The BEST way to help the mother initiate breastfeeding is:

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The sooner the mother begins to pump, the sooner her milk will come in. She should aim to pump as often as the baby would be nursing, and she will have the best luck using a hospital-grade, double, electric pump. She may only get small drops of colostrum at first, and should save this to feed to her baby. Some babies are able to nurse directly at the breast as soon as they are stabilized, and some babies require tube or bottle feeding. No matter which way the baby gets nutrients, breastmilk is still the best food. The baby's medical condition will dictate how soon and how often the baby can go to the breast. Skin-to-skin time with a compromised baby is sometimes available, and the mother should be encouraged to talk to the baby's care providers about the ways in which she can bond with her newborn.

A Baby Is Born Ill, and Is Taken to the Neonatal