Human milk for the premature infant

Abstract

Premature infants are at risk for growth failure, developmental delays, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late-onset sepsis. Human milk from women delivering prematurely has more protein and higher levels of bioactive molecules. Human milk must be fortified for premature infants to achieve adequate growth. Mother's own milk improves growth and neurodevelopment, decreases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis, and should be the primary enteral diet for premature infants. Donor milk is a resource for premature infants whose mothers are unable to provide an adequate supply of milk. Challenges include the need for pasteurization, nutritional and biochemical deficiencies, and limited supply.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Changes in milk composition over time in term (37–41 weeks), preterm (30–36 weeks) and very preterm (, , – GAG glycosaminoglycans, IL 6 interleukin 6, IgA immunoglobulin A, IL 10 interleukin 10, EGF epidermal growth factor, TNF alpha tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Figure 1

Changes in milk composition over time in term (37–41 weeks), preterm (30–36 weeks) and very preterm (, , – GAG glycosaminoglycans, IL 6 interleukin 6, IgA immunoglobulin A, IL 10 interleukin 10, EGF epidermal growth factor, TNF alpha tumor necrosis factor alpha.