Title : The Importance of Providing Breastmilk for Preterm Infants
Abstract:
The use of human breast milk has long been considered the standard for infant feeding and nutrition. The benefits of breastmilk have been shown to be especially valuable in the growth and development of preterm infants with decreased rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, decreased rates of late onset sepsis, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. In my presentation I will review gastrointestinal development and how breastmilk is perfectly formulated for a premature babies immature GI system. I will also review the current literature on the use of mother’s own milk as well as donor human milk in the neonatal ICU and its impact on the overall health of these infants.