Adding to Mother's Milk
Is a mother's own milk enough?Certain nutrients occur at the same levels in premature milk as
in term milk. Also, the overall calorie count is the same for both. Human
milk contains lower levels of some nutrients than artificial formulas.
Sometimes, lower nutrient levels are beneficial for premature babies. For
instance, protein and sodium are at higher levels in premature milk than
in mature milk, yet they still are low when compared to the amount in most
artificial formulas. Because of the lower levels of these nutrients, the
premature baby loses less water. Less water loss helps the premature baby
maintain a stable body temperature.
The nutrient levels and the available calories are often adequate for
"older" or "bigger" premature babies, and for many other high-risk babies.
However, lower nutrient levels and the "full-term" calorie count in human
milk may create problems for the low birthweight baby who weighed 3
pounds, 5 ounces (1,500 grams) or less at birth, or for babies with
certain health conditions affecting digestion or the use of nutrients.
These babies may not get enough of the minerals, such as calcium,
phosphorous, and iron from their mothers' milk alone. They also may need
additional calories.
Although your milk is best, it is not always complete with the
nutritional needs of very small premature babies or some very sick
newborns. Fortunately, adding to, or "fortifying," a mother's milk does
not appear to diminish the nutritional and anti-infective benefits your
baby will gain from receiving your milk, and may help to better provide
the nutrition your baby needs.
Adding to your milk:
The most common ways of adding nutrients and calories include the
following:
- hind milk feeding
When a higher calorie count is the only consideration, you may be
asked to pump your milk for several minutes and then stop to change
collection bottles. The milk collected after the first several minutes
is called hind milk and it tends to be higher in calorie-rich fats. The
earlier milk obtained while pumping is called fore milk and it is higher
in other nutrients. Freeze any fore milk for later use if asked to
provide hind milk for some feedings. Do not obtain only the hind milk
for feedings, unless directed to do so by your baby's doctors and
nurses.
- human milk fortifier (HMF)
HMF contains several nutrients, especially certain minerals, that
are needed for proper bone development in low birthweight babies. HMF is
added directly to a bottle of your own milk. Usually a powdered version
is used when plenty of your own milk is available. Liquid HMF will be
used if reduced amounts of your breast milk are available.
- premature infant formulas
Sometimes, feedings of a mother's milk may be alternated with
feedings of a premature infant formula. This may be done if HMF is not
considered the best option, or when reduced amounts of your breast milk
are available.
How long are extra nutrients needed?
How long your baby receives added nutrients and calories will depend on
your baby's age, weight, physical condition, and ability to effectively
breastfeed.
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