Human Breastmilk Fat Improves Growth in Premature Infants

Premature babies often need special medical attention and care only found in a Newborn Intensive Care Unit, NICU. Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas cares for 1,000 of babies each year. In fact, a study has just come out from Texas Children's Hospital doing research on premature infants and breastfeeding. Researchers at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital have put out a report on Human Milk Fat, that it greatly improves growth in premature infants on August 15, 2014, in the Science Daily.Babies who are born very small 750 to 1250 grams need extra calories, (1000 grams is about 2 pounds 2 ounces). These babies lungs and other organs are still developing after they are born. If the infant can gain weight and grow at a good rate, this increases and improves their outcome. Babies will be fed breast milk in a tube and start breastfeeding around 33 to 34 weeks. My son was born at 32 weeks. He was fed with a tube for many weeks. I remember pumping around the clock and bringing my milk to him.Then when he actually started to breastfeed, many weeks later, it was an exciting moment for the both of us. I breastfed him well over a year. A diet for a premature baby may consist of mom's milk and donor milk if a parent asks for this. That is why it is important, if you have extra milk, call your local hospital NICU and ask where you can donate your milk. Furthermore, your body knows that you had a preemie and your breast milk has extra minerals and proteins designed for your baby. In the fist few weeks, your milk contains more protein fatty calories and calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and chloride. Breast milk also has a laxative effect, which helps your baby pass its first bowel movement, meconium and throughout breastfeeding. In fact, breast milk is easily digested. Breast milk helps with brain growth and development. Breast milk improves your baby's mental health too.Human and donor milk have good kinds of fats for these newborns. However, these babies can only tolerate a certain amount of food in their stomach and intestines. Please consider donating your breast milk to help save these babies. Preemies receive many benefits from breastfeeding including protection against infections, better developmental outcomes, and stress. Large proteins molecules called immunoglobulins cross the placenta and are stored while the fetus is growing inside a mom and during the first three months of life. They also protect the baby up to 5 months after birth. Therefore, it is so important to give your breast milk to your baby in the NICU. Don't leave milk out longer than 30 to 60 minutes, when your baby is in the NICU. These little babies are very delicate and it is important to not allow milk to stand outside the refrigerator too long before using it. Moms who cannot breastfeed their preemies need to pump every 3 to 4 hours. While traveling to the hospital, put the milk in a cooler for transport. Make sure you wash your hands with soap before you pump. Pump 10 to 15 minutes per session.Use a Hospital Grade Pump. A 1-2 ounce is a good start per meal, 1 ounce equals 30cc and 2 ounces equals 60cc. NICU babies do better with breastfeeding. They can pace themselves on how much they are swallowing and therefore they can maintain a good oxygen level. Breastfeeding also provides these babies the warmth and physical contact they need from their mom. Skin to skin is really important to do at this time. Ask a nurse in the NICU or Lactation Consultant to help you with breastfeeding and pumping. I get called many times to help these moms. In conclusion, preemies face many challenges in the NICU. Breastfeeding can really help your baby and it is the best nutrition for your baby. Try to establish a good milk supply by pumping and breastfeeding. Bring this milk to the NICU for your baby. Every day you give your milk or breastfeed your baby is the best possible nutrients you can give your baby to allow your baby to grow and nourish properly.I am proud of every new mom out there that attempts breastfeeding. I know breastfeeding can be hard and challenging, however, it is very rewarding. You are all doing an amazing job. Enjoy your journey and time breastfeeding your baby.