Fortification of Human Milk for Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

The delivery of a preterm baby is a nutrition emergency. Growth and accumulation of nutrient reserves are higher during the third trimester of pregnancy than at any other time during the life cycle. Nutrition of very low birth weight preterm newborn is a challenge for the multiprofessional team due to special conditions such as accelerated metabolism, decrease in body reserves, higher risk of complications associated with digestive system immaturity and reduced adaptation capacity when there is water-electrolyte imbalance. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of fortification of maternal milk with similac neosure on growth of preterm babies and their complications. This study was conducted on 50 neonates (Group I: 25 preterm babies received unfortified breast milk with artificial milk, Group II: 25 preterm babies received fortified breast milk with artificial milk). All neonates included in this study were subjected to: Full history taking from their mothers laying stress on gestational age, parity and maternal medical history.